Video Version:
Bio-Inspiration – “Using phenomena in biology to stimulate research in non-biological science and technology” – George M. Whitesides
- Bio-inspiration presentation by the San Diego Zoo (MS & HS)
- Bio-inspiration by Prof. David L. Hu from Princeton University (MS & HS)
Gaits – “Gait is the pattern of movement of the limbs of animals, including humans, during locomotion” – Wikipedia
- Dog gaits (MS & HS)
- Bug gaits (MS & HS)
- Gait and trajectory tutorial (HS)
Motors – “Motors are electromagnetic devices that use the interaction of magnetic fields and conductors to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy for rotation.” – SeeedStudio
Degrees of Freedom – “Degrees of freedom are specific, defined modes in which a mechanical device or system can move. The number of degrees of freedom is equal to the total number of independent displacements or aspects of motion.” – TechTarget
Torque – “Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. Just as force is what causes an object to accelerate in linear kinematics, torque is what causes an object to acquire angular acceleration.” – Khan Academy
| Name | Grade Range | Resources | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and a pogo stick | 9-12 | Pogo stick | Students learn about the conservation of energy using a pogo stick |
| Gait Analysis | 11-12 | Computer access | Students investigate human gaits and develop a mathematical model |
| How mimicking nature inspires new inventions | 9-12 | $0 | Students use biology to develop new solutions to problems in their schools or community – from PBS |
| Get in Gear | 6-8 | Requires LEGO EV3 | Students investigate gear ratios and power distribution through LEGO gears and motors |
| Mountain Rescue | 3-5 | $3/group | Students simulate a search and rescue operation |
| Mountain Rescue | 6-8 | $2/group | Students simulate a search and rescue operation |
| Math (Common Core) | Science (NGSS) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Description | Standard | Description |
| HSG.MG.A.3 | Apply geometric methods to solve design problems (e.g., designing an object or structure to satisfy physical constraints or minimize cost; working with typographic grid systems based on ratios). | HS-ETS1-1, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3 | Engineering Design |
| CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.B.4 | Find inverse functions. | MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3 | Engineering Design |
| MS-LS3-1 | Complex and microscopic structures and systems can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe how their function depends on the shapes, composition, and relationships among its parts, therefore complex natural structures/systems can be analyzed to determine how they function. | ||
| MS-PS2-2 | Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object. | ||
| HS-LS1-2 | Develop and use a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or between components of a system. the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. | ||
| HS-PS2-1 | Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration. | ||