Thursday Seminar
Date: 20 October, 2016
Time: 15:30 - 16:30
Venue: Main Building Lecture Room - G1
Coordinator: Prof. Jyotsna Vijapurkar
Topic: Biomimetics: A bio-inspired design approach to enrich biology learning experiences,
Speaker: Shubhangi Bhide, Abstract:
Bio-inspired design which encompasses concepts like bionics, biomimicry and biomimetics is about seeking design inspiration from nature’s inherent forms, processes and systems to devise innovative strategies that address human challenges. My interest lies in exploring whether design tasks inspired by biology can be a way to engage students in creativity, problem solving and multi-disciplinary learning, both, in school science and undergraduate (biology) education. Conventionally, the study of biology in education encompasses ‘learning about’ living organisms. This seminar is about the field of biomimetics (or biomimicry) – the ‘learning from’ biology that can stimulate design (and technology) approaches. We will try to envision the manner in which inclusion of biomimetics, for example as problem–solving through design and project-based activities, can enrich biology learning experiences.
Note: This seminar is an extension of a poster presented at the 26th biennial conference of The Asian Association for Biology Education, 20-23 September 2016 at Goa, India.