Optional Lesson: Biomimicry in Fashion

Suggested Time: 60 minutes
Overview
Students will explore the field of biomimicry in engineering. Then they will apply what they learned to thinking about clothes that already engage in biomimicry—such as fake fur. Finally, they will think about and design their own clothes that mimic a trait found in nature.
Vocabulary
Objectives
Next Generation Science Standards
Required Project Materials
Multimedia Resources
Optional Multimedia Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background Information
The Lesson
Part 1: Inspiration Show (20 mins)
  1. Show the remainder of Project Runway’s “Inspiration”. Have fun showing this—it draws laughs!
  2. Have each student introduce his or her inspiring object and describe what is inspiring about it.
Part 2: Sketch the Design (40 mins)
  1. Each student should now go to the “Fabric Store”—the collection of items you got from the thrift store and/or Jo-ann Fabrics’ discount bin—and pick out what fabrics and items they want to use.
  2. Students should now write a list of materials.
  3. Next, they will sketch the design. Hopefully, they’ve begun this process already!
  4. Finally, students will cut out their design and attach the pieces onto their small model. Encourage them to include accessories as well.
  5. Time each task. Just like Project Runway, the students will have to show whatever they were able to finish!
Homework Due Next Class
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