2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Biomimicry as an Authentic Anchor - Treasure Exploration Design Challenge (Resource Exchange)

Presented at Pre-College Engineering Education Curriculum and Resource Exchange

The Biomimicry as an Authentic Anchor (BAA) project engages middle school students in interdisciplinary engineering design challenges inspired by nature. In this “Treasure Exploration” activity, students explore four natural organisms that can achieve digging function. Students analyze the structure and function of these organisms and then design their own device to dig the treasure on the beach by using craft materials, motors and batteries, or hummingbirds (or other alternative robotic tool). This hands-on activity promotes science and engineering learning through biomimetic problem-solving. The lesson takes 2 – 4 hours, depending on whether teachers need to teach how to use the tools.

Authors

Geling Xu Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach [biography]

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 course design.
Dr. Kristen B Wendell Tufts University [biography]

Kristen Wendell is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Adjunct Associate Professor of Education at Tufts University. Her research efforts at at the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach focus on supporting discourse and design practi
Debra Bernstein
Dr. Michael Cassidy
William Church
Dr. Ethan E Danahy http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1431-8031 Tufts University [biography]

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.
Ms. Tyrine Jamella Pangan Tufts University [biography]

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).
Kathryn Hobbs

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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