Biomimicry
I can identify biomimicry and use nature as inspiration when designing.
Biomimicry
I can identify biomimicry and use nature as inspiration when designing.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Designers use biomimicry to influence both form and function of designs, such as the bullet train.
- Designers observe and record nature using sketches and photography.
- Designers use sketches and photography of nature to inspire.
Keywords
Biomimicry - using nature as inspiration to solve problems
Biomorphism - an aesthetic style that imitates nature's beauty
Mood board - a collection of images, texts and samples used by designers to convey feelings about a design
Inspiration - someone or something that gives you ideas
Common misconception
Biomimicry is using nature to inspire aesthetics.
Biomimicry uses nature to inspire solutions to problems, biomorphism is about nature inspiring aesthetics.
To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Biomimicry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Biomimicry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Papers and boards unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Additional inspiration images and exemplar mood boards or nature inspired products could be beneficial.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
a particular shape, linked to aesthetics
the purpose
the look including colour, texture, style of theme
a situation, person, or thing that needs attention to be solved

Exit quiz
6 Questions
kingfisher
burr
sharkskin
humpbacked whale fin
