Taking Inspiration from Nature

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:
  • Be able to identify design elements in nature that can inspire us to develop innovative design solutions that eliminate plastic waste
  • Be able to think critically about a reimagined economy - one that does not generate waste - by taking inspiration from nature
  • Be able to understand and talk about the connection of Indigenous peoples to nature

Curriculum Connections

Alberta

 Science
3. E - Animal Life Cycles - 3–10 Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments.
4. A - Waste and our World - 4–5 Recognize that human activity can lead to the production of wastes, and identify alternatives for the responsible use and disposal of materials.
7. A - Interactions and Ecosystems - 1. Investigate and describe relationships between humans and their environments, and identify related issues and scientific questions; 2. Trace and interpret the flow of energy and materials within an ecosystem; 3. Monitor a local environment, and assess the impacts of environmental factors on the growth, health and reproduction of organisms in that environment; 4. Describe the relationships among knowledge, decisions and actions in maintaining life-supporting environments
8. E - Freshwater and Saltwater Systems - 1. Describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments, and identify the significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and other living things; 4. Analyze human impacts on aquatic systems; and identify the roles of science and technology in addressing related questions, problems and issues
Social Studies
3.2.2 explore the concept of global citizenship by reflecting upon the following question for inquiry:
What are some environmental concerns that Canada and communities around the world share?
4.1.1 value Alberta’s physical geography and natural environment
4.1.4 analyze how Albertans interact with their environment by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
How are natural resources used by Albertans (i.e., agriculture, oil and natural gas, forests, coal)? 
How do Albertans deal with competing demands on land use (e.g., conservation, solar and wind power, recreation, agriculture, oil exploration, forestry)? 
4.2.1 appreciate how an understanding of Alberta’s history, peoples and stories contributes to their own sense of belonging and identity:
recognize how stories of people and events provide multiple perspectives on past and present events (I, TCC)
recognize oral traditions, narratives and stories as valid sources of knowledge about the land, culture and history (CC, TCC)
4.2.2 assess, critically, how the cultural and linguistic heritage and diversity of Alberta has evolved over time by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
What do the stories of Aboriginal peoples tell us about their beliefs regarding the relationship between people and the land?
5.1.1 value Canada’s physical geography and natural environment:
demonstrate care and concern for the environment through their choices and actions
5.2.2 examine, critically, the ways of life of Aboriginal peoples in Canada by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
What do the stories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples tell us about their beliefs
regarding the relationship between people and the land?
6.1.6 analyze how individuals, groups and associations within a community impact decision making of local and provincial governments by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
How can individuals, groups and associations within a community participate in the decision-making process regarding current events or issues (i.e., lobbying, petitioning, organizing and attending local meetings and rallies, contacting elected representatives)? 
Ontario
Science
3.B1.1 assess ways in which plants are important to humans and other living things, taking different perspectives into consideration, and identify ways in which humans can protect native plant species and their habitats
4.A3.3 analyse contributions to science and technology from various communities
4.B2.4 demonstrate an understanding of a food web as the interconnection of multiple food chains in a natural community
6.B2.5 describe interrelationships within species, between species, and between species and their natural environment, and explain how these interrelationships sustain biodiversity
7. B1.3 analyse how diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit practices and perspectives contribute to environmental sustainability
Social Studies
5.B3.9 describe some different ways in which citizens can take action to address social and environmental issues

Length of Activity

1.5 hours

Materials List


Online Lesson Format