This interactive game introduces students to the idea that the natural world can be a promising source of inspiration for technological innovation, using a biomimetic invention they are probably all familiar with.

Objectives

  • Students will experience and describe the performance differences of Velcro and other fasteners.
  • Students will compare and critically assess the relative benefits of nature-inspired design.

In this activity, students race to put on apparel using Velcro® and apparel using other closures (e.g., zippers, snaps, etc.). Students then compare and discuss the results.

This game can be played with students of all ages, and is designed to introduce them to and develop their critical thinking skills about the process of bio-inspired design.