Build It From Nature
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Provided by: PBS|Published on: July 16, 2026
Activity - ClassroomScientist Reviewed
PKK12
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This printable activity invites children to explore how nature inspires human-made designs.
- Children cut out and match pictures of three animals to three human-made objects that were inspired by them: a frog to swim fins, a kingfisher to the bullet train, and a bird to the airplane.
Subjects: Science
Authors: PBS
Region: Global
Languages: English, Spanish
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Print and pre-cut the picture cards for younger children, or have older students cut their own as a fine-motor warm-up before the matching activity.
- After matching, ask students to explain in their own words which animal feature helped each object work, reinforcing the idea that structure supports function.
- Use body movements to imitate different animals' characteristics and how they work in the inventions.
Extensions:
- Take students on a walk to find other natural features (wings, webbed feet, shells) and brainstorm what human-made tools those features could inspire.
- Have students sketch new inventions that employ biomimicry in their designs.
This resource explores how inventors and engineers often use nature as inspiration for their designs. A picture matching activity is paired with clear text that gives young students a window into the design process. This activity shows how solutions to complex design problems can often be found in nature and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
