Designed by Nature - 2025

Learn how nature can be used for design inspiration and problem-solving through STEM and biomimicry. 

Students will observe the tried and tested biological strategies and patterns of nature and design their own nature-inspired STEM ideas for a healthier planet. 

The Department of Education and Training are funding high-ability students from government schools to participate in this program at no cost through the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.

Session 1: Bio-design Introduction

Students will

• Learn examples of bio-inspired inventions and come face-to-face with the plants and systems that influenced them. 

• Identify the tried and tested biological strategies of nature through?guided nature observation 

• Come up with their own nature-inspired ideas

Session 2: Student Design Challenge

Students will

• Become?biomimics, practicing nature-inspired engineering. 

• Utilise?design thinking and STEM skills to apply the practice of biomimicry in a Design Challenge 

Key focuses

• Hands-on learning and sharing ideas

• Adaptations

• Science and Technology

Student Experiences Include

• Distinguishing between ‘learning from’ and ‘learning about’ plants 

• Exploring the function and form of plants 

• Engaging in systems thinking 

• Applying nature-inspired solutions to solve a student challenge

Curriculum Links

• Level 5- 6 Integrated STEM, Science, Mathematics, Technology, Design & Technologies, and Critical and Creative Thinking