In early preparations for this year’s science fair, grade 8 students have been learning
about Biomimicry, the process of looking to nature to improve sustainable living
practices. Students have been challenged this year to consider looking to incorporating
Biomimicry into their projects, where applicable. To give the students inspiration for their
science fair projects, we took our students to the Surrey Nature Centre and Green
Timbers park.
Dividing the students into two groups, one half spent the day exploring the park and
looking for evidence of animal adaptations, they noticed cattails submerged in the water
vs plants growing on land. Also present were beaver damns in the streams that feed the
small lake at the heart of the park.
While one group was at the park, the other was at the Surrey Nature Centre where they
engaged in a lesson on animal adaptations. Students learned about a variety of
adaptations animals have made to make it easier to live in their environments, such as
the snowshoe hare’s ability to change the color of its fur seasonally to blend into the
environment, and how birds’ beaks have adapted to better access their food sources.
Students were then lead through a trail looking for signs to indicate the presence of
coyotes and rabbits, followed by an inspection of coyote and rabbit skull models. Their
instructor, from the centre, explained the adaptations visible in the skulls, such as
differences in eye sockets and teeth shapes, that made it possible for both animals to
survive and thrive.
We had beautiful weather for the students to spend their day exploring and observing
the nature around them. They also had time at lunch to build stronger bonds through
play and free exploration.
Thank you to the parents who were able to join us on the trip and make this what was
hopefully a memorable time for our students. Also, thank you to those who offered
beyond the numbers we needed. We look forward to possibly inviting you to other
activities throughout the year.
By Veronica Diaz & Graeme Fowler, Teachers