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Has the best trailblazer been around for millions of years?
Has the best trailblazer been around for millions of years?
Using a unit from WVU's Steam-Tac program, our girls studied ways that nature has already designed some of the best answers to today's problems. Using biomimacry, the girls built hydraulic claws to imitate various ways that nature has designed creatures to "grasp" different objects.
Using an accordian claw design...
Using an accordian claw design...
...mimics the claw of a crab or lobster to pinch objects and pick them up.
Different students....
Different students....
...different influences. We encourage our kids to work together, talk through ideas, and to work with other teams to get inspired.
"Tiger Teeth" style of claw...
"Tiger Teeth" style of claw...
....imitates the way a tiger's teeth captures and holds on to the object.
Examining the parts provided a student begins the first phase of construction.
Working on the hydraulic systems, students make sure to keep as much water out of the line as possible.
Balance and precision help to make construction work with the hydraulic system.
Two teams work toward a common goal. It is not competion. It is about making our team stronger.
Grab this lesson plan and try this in your classroom!
Title: Biomimicry Project - Creating a Hydraulic Claw
Subject: Engineering/Physics
Objective: Students will apply the principles of biomimicry to design and construct a hydraulic claw that mimics the grasping motion of a biological claw.
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard or foam boards
- Plastic syringes
- Tubing
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Various fasteners (such as rubber bands or paper clips)
- Assorted small objects for students to pick up with their claw
Lesson Plan:
Introduction
1. Begin the lesson by introducing students to the concept of biomimicry and its importance in engineering and design.
2. Show examples of biomimicry in action, such as Velcro inspired by burrs or bullet trains inspired by kingfishers.
3. Explain to students that they will be applying the principles of biomimicry to design and construct a hydraulic claw that mimics the grasping motion of a biological claw.
Activity:
1. Divide students into small groups and distribute materials.
2. Instruct students to brainstorm and sketch out their designs for the hydraulic claw, taking inspiration from biological claws such as those of birds of prey or insects.
3. Guide students as they begin constructing their hydraulic claws, making sure they understand how to use the syringes and tubing to create the hydraulic system.
4. Encourage students to test and iterate on their designs, making adjustments as needed to improve the functionality of their claws.
5. Once students have completed their claws, provide a variety of small objects for them to pick up and manipulate with their creations.
Discussion:
1. Have students reflect on their experience designing and building their hydraulic claws.
2. Ask students to discuss the challenges they faced during the design and construction process and how they overcame them.
3. Encourage students to think about how the principles of biomimicry influenced their design choices and how they might apply these principles in other engineering projects.
Conclusion:
1. Have students present their hydraulic claws to the class, demonstrating how they work and explaining the biomimicry principles behind their design.
2. Encourage students to think about other ways biomimicry could be applied in engineering and design.
3. Provide positive feedback and praise for their creativity and problem-solving skills.
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