Surfnetkids.com
Surfing the Net with Kids FREE Newsletter
#1. December 14, 2011
Dear Reader,
Inspired by several of my blogging friends, this year I did something on my blog I’ve never done before: a Holiday Gift Guide. The products I picked are those that brightened my year a little bit, and so I chose to call them “A Few of My Favorite Things.” If you have anyone left on your shopping list, you can take a look here:
http://www.barbarafeldman.com/category/holiday-gift-guide/
See ya on the Net,
Barbara J. Feldman
"Surfing the Net with Kids"
https://www.surfnetkids.com
#2. Biomimicry
by Barbara J. Feldman
https://www.surfnetkids.com/biomimicry.htm
Biomimicry Printable (** for premium members only)
https://www.surfnetkids.com/printables/files/printables-club/biomimicry.pdf
Biomimicry is the examination and mimicry of natural systems by engineers, scientists and inventors. Although the term “biomimicry” was first used in 1982, man has looked at nature to find inspiration for problem-solving technology since the beginning of time. For example, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) studied bird flight when designing his “flying machine,” as did the Wright brothers when creating the first successful airplane in 1903.
Ask Nature: What is Biomimicry?
Ask Nature (a project of the Biomimicry Institute) is a collaborative site where biologists, designers and engineers can share information on how nature solves problems, with the goal of helping engineers to mimic biological adaptions to solve human problems. The rest of us should visit the site to read “What is Biomimicry?” and watch founder Janine Benyus describe twelve design ideas inspired by nature.
Biomimicy Guild: A Conversation with Janine Benyus
In this interview, Benyus explains how and why engineers can learn from nature. Be sure to download the first chapter of her book “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.” You’ll find the link at the top of the left-hand column. “The core idea is that nature, imaginative by necessity, has already solved many of the problems we are grappling with. Animals, plants, and microbes are the consummate engineers. They have found what works, what is appropriate, and most important, what lasts here on Earth.”
Biomimicry Institute: What is Biomimicry?
“Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a new discipline that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell is an example. I think of it as ‘innovation inspired by nature.'” Although there is some overlap in content at Biomimicry Guild and the Biomimicry Institute (they are sister organizations), this site includes K12 curriculum ideas (look for the Youth Ed link under Education and Training), and a reading list that includes recommendations for both adults and children (filed under Resources.)
… Click to continue Biomimicry .
#3. Printables Club Members Also Get …
Surfnetkids Printables Club Members also get the following printables to use in the classroom, the computer lab, the school library, or to send home with students:
Biomimicry Printable
Biomimicry Wikipedia Printable
Biology Printable
*** Are you curious? Get your own ten-day trial membership:
https://www.surfnetkids.com/printables-club.htm
#4. Related Games
Science Games
https://www.surfnetkids.com/games/Science_Games/
Nature Coloring Pages
https://www.surfnetkids.com/coloring/nature/
#5. Surfing the Calendar
Bill of Rights Anniversary (Celebrated as Bill of Rights Day)
Dec 15, 1791
Boston Tea Party
Dec 16, 1773
Ludwig von Beethoven’s Birthday
Dec 16, 1770
Beatrix Potter self-published “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”
Dec 16, 1091
Wright Brother’s First Flight
Dec 17, 1903
Slavery Abolished by 13th Amendment
Dec 18, 1865
Anniversary of Establishment of Poet Laureate
Dec 20, 1985
U.S. Supreme Court Declares Segregated
Bus Seating Illegal
Dec 20, 1956
Sacagawea dies.
Dec 20, 1812
France Transfers Louisiana Territory to U.S.
Dec 20, 1803
Anniversary of First Crossword Puzzle
Dec 21, 1913
Anniversary of Pilgrim Landing
Dec 21, 1620
Winter Begins
Dec 21, 2009
Winter Solstice
Dec 21, 2009
Hanukkah
Dec. 21-28, 2011
#6. Quote of the Week
“The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.” ~~ Claude Monet ~~ (November 14, 1840 – December 5, 1926) French impressionist painter. Click here for more nature quotes.
#7. Subscription Management
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