The Biomimicry as an Authentic Anchor (BAA) project helps middle school students engage in science and engineering through biomimetic design. Biomimicry uses inspiration from nature to solve problems. One of the lesson plans in the BAA curriculum is called ‘The Airborne Transport Design Challenge’. In this lesson, students examine four different organisms that have evolved strategies for floating and twirling seeds through the air. Students then engage in collaborative biomimetic design to prototype and test a device that can transport a small package through the air. This curriculum exchange resource will provide educators with a lesson that integrates biology, structure/function analysis, and engineering design.
Authors
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Tyrine Jamella Pangan is a STEM Education PhD student at Tufts University and a Graduate Research Assistant at the Tufts University Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO). She is interested in integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) in engineering, specifically within the elementary school context. Tyrine hopes to explore how Transformative SEL can be implemented to cultivate socially responsible engineers.
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Kristen Wendell is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Education at Tufts University. Her research efforts at at the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach focus on supporting discourse and design practices of engineering learners from all backgrounds and at all levels.
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Geling Xu is a Ph.D. student in STEM Education at Tufts University and a research assistant at Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach. She is interested in K-12 STEM Education, AI Education, MakerSpace, LEGO Education, and curriculum design.
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Dr. Ethan Danahy is a Research Associate Professor at the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO) with secondary appointment in the Department of Computer Science within the School of Engineering at Tufts University. Having received his graduate degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from Tufts University, he continues research in the design, implementation, and evaluation of different educational technologies. With particular attention to engaging students in the STEAM content areas, he focuses his investigations on enhancing creativity and innovation, supporting better documentation, and encouraging collaborative learning.
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Note
The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on
June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025
