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
- List of materials • Design sketch
Objectives
- Students will practice rudimentary planning and design skills used in
all design-based disciplines, including engineering and architecture.
Next Generation Science
Standards
- 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.
Required Project
Materials
- 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.
Multimedia Resources
- “Inspiration.” Project Runway Season 2 Episode 8.
Optional Multimedia
Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background
Information
The Lesson
Part 1: Inspiration Show (20
mins)
- Show the remainder of Project Runway’s “Inspiration”. Have fun
showing this—it draws laughs!
-
Have each student introduce his or her inspiring object and describe
what is inspiring about it.
Part 2: Sketch the Design (40
mins)
- 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.
-
Students should now write a list of materials.
-
Next, they will sketch the design. Hopefully, they’ve begun this
process already!
-
Finally, students will cut out their design and attach the pieces onto
their small model. Encourage them to include accessories as well.
-
Time each task. Just like Project Runway, the students will have to
show whatever they were able to finish!
Homework Due Next Class
- 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.
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