Engineering Insects

Engineering Insects

EngineersEngineers make things to solve problems and to help people.We can observe nature in action and use that knowledge to inspire new ideas. We can copy things found in nature. This is called bio mimicry.

Bio mimicryProblem: How can I make something that will fly?How can I make something that will stick?How can I make something that will pierce, suck, or chew?Bio mimicryAirplane wings and body shapes modeled after birds

An ice pick for mountain climbers designed after the woodpecker

Boat hulls designed after the shapes of fish and sharks

Glow sticks made with light-up chemicals, like fireflies

Adaptations of Insects

Insects have compound eyes to see things up close from all directions.8Adaptations of Insects

Insect wings are thin membranes supported by a network of veins. The wings are designed so they can be folded.9Insect Flight

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Motion_of_Insectwing.gif

awingsbjointscdorsoventral musclesdlongitudinal musclesAdaptations of Insects

Grasshoppers have long legs for jumping. Their ears are located on their knees!11Adaptations of Insects

Grasshoppers unfold their long legs for jumping!12Adaptations of Insects

Bees have hairs that cause pollen to stick.13Adaptations of Insects

A housefly uses its sponge-like mouth to soak up liquid.14Adaptations of Insects

The mosquitos mouth allows it to pierce the skin and suck blood.15Adaptations of Insects

The ants mouth is a mandible designed for chewing plant material.16Adaptations of Insects

The butterflys proboscis is a long, flexible tubelike mouth for sucking.17Engineering an ExoskeletonInsects have structures that help protect them. They have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton. Could you engineer an exoskeleton? It must be:HardWaterproofLightweightAble to bend in places (joints)What materials would you use?

Engineering Design ProcessDefine the problemCome up with ideas (brainstorm) Select the most promising designCommunicate the designCreate and test the designEvaluate and revise the designInsects Inspire Engineers

http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180556950/of-flybots-and-bug-eyes-insects-inspire-inventors

Could you invent something based on an insect?

Bio MimicrySelect an object from a box. Tell how that object may have been inspired by nature. Create a CritterCreate an insect using clay. Include at least three adaptations that would help your insect survive. How does it move, get food, andprotect itself?Tell the person sitting next to you about your design. Be prepared to explain your choices to the group.Life Science: Exploring Organisms and the Environment Standard K.L.2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of organisms found in the environment and how these organisms depend on the environment to meet those needs. K.L.2A. Conceptual Understanding: The environment consists of many types of organisms including plants, animals, and fungi. Organisms depend on the land, water, and air to live and grow. Plants need water and light to make their own food. Fungi and animals cannot make their own food and get energy from other sources. Animals (including humans) use different body parts to obtain food and other resources needed to grow and survive. Organisms live in areas where their needs for air, water, nutrients, and shelter are met. Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can: K.L.2A.1 Obtain information to answer questions about different organisms found in the environment (such as plants, animals, or fungi). K.L.2A.3 Develop and use models to exemplify how animals use their body parts to (1) obtain food and other resources, (2) protect themselves, and (3) move from place to place.

Resources for Teachershttps://www.teachengineering.org/http://tryengineering.org/lesson-plans

Engineering Design Process