Optional Lesson: Biomimicry in Fashion

• List of materials • Design sketch

• Students will practice rudimentary planning and design skills used in all design-based disciplines, including engineering and architecture.

• MS-PS-1, MS-PS-4. Developing and Using Models.
• MS-PS1-3. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.
• ETS1.A, B, and C. Defining and Delimiting Design Problems, Developing Possible Solutions, and Optimizing the Design Solution.

• Safety pins, adhesive velcro squares, and double-sided tape (sewing kits can be used for high school students)
• Wide variety of fabric from thrift stores and/or Jo-ann Fabrics’ discount fabric and remnants bin
• A wide variety of items, such as buttons, glitter, threads of various colors, sequins, stickers, odd items that can be made into hats and other accessories, etc.

• “Inspiration.” Project Runway Season 2 Episode 8.

• None

• None

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.

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!

• Students should think of a need that is not well served by an item of clothing—and how they would solve that need. They can think about problems they have encountered, or problems they’ve heard about from family members.
• Tell the students to practice design solutions in their supplementary workbooks.