Biomimicry Design Challenge
Each year the Biomimicry Institute sponsors a design competition that challenges students to come up with a nature-inspired design solution to a climate change problem. Students can work individually or in teams, and the challenge can be run in a classroom by a teacher or outside of school with the help of an advisor. There are learning modules to help students better understand biomimicry and design thinking, but adoption of the modules is not technically required.
The Biomimicry Global Design Challenge calls for design concepts addressing any aspect of climate change adaptation, mitigation, and reversal in any sector of the economy. We know that climate change is a complex problem; a hairy knot made up of hundreds, or even thousands, of other problems all woven together. But this diversity means there are also just as many solutions out there waiting to be discovered. Successful teams will define a concrete, well researched area of focus for their design efforts and apply the core concepts and methods of biomimicry in developing a solution. We are especially interested in projects that go beyond familiar approaches by identifying unique leverage points for change, removing barriers to the adoption and spread of existing solutions, and/or clearly demonstrating how biomimicry can lead to new, novel, or more effective solutions.
How did I get started? Get more information about this unique and timely competition here.
How long will this take? 25-30 hours spread out over 6-8 weeks, depending on the subject chosen.
How do I expand this narrative arc? Take your great ideas into the broader world or your small community with one of these camps and or projects:
Learn about the unique challenges of adapting sustainability principles to an urban environment at Sustainable Summer Brooklyn.
Reduce the environmental impact of your community’s Christmas celebrations by launching a Mulchfest.
Track climate change in your part of the world by planting a Tulip Test Garden.
Participate in a quick citizen science project that revolves around the environment or sustainability like The Big Microplastic Survey
Physically build and deploy satellite-tracked Student Drifters that track ocean currents and validate ocean models.
Apply for a grant from the Captain Planet Foundation for your own ocean related project.
HOT TIP: This is a really interesting competition for a high school student who is interested in the intersection between sustainability and entrepreneurship. You’ll get out of it as much as you put into it. With the right mentor, you can turn this into a full semester or year independent study. Even better, you can take your prototype and try to develop it. Check out the website - many of the winners from prior competitions have developed mind-blowing concepts. This could be a real boon to your college admissions prospects!