Science Lesson: Biomimicry & Thermal Adaptation
Created by Teacher(s): Yen-Yen Chiu|Published on: August 21, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plan
Subjects: Science
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Created by: SubjectToClimate teachers
Region: Global
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 →
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
In this lesson, students discover that nature has already engineered solutions to the same heating and cooling challenges humans face in building design. Students analyze thermal adaptations in nature and develop a framework for biomimicry design to apply to the invention process in Lessons 4-6.
Inquire: Students review key concepts from Lessons 1 and 2, then explore how organisms survive extreme heat and cold.
Investigate: Students analyze thermal adaptations in nature through a jigsaw or stations activity, connecting their learning to a biomimicry framework of homes around the world.
Inspire: Students complete a biomimicry design matrix connecting nature-based strategies to building design ideas, identifying which strategy best addresses their classroom’s heating or cooling challenge.
Share: This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.
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Teacher Writer
Yen-Yen Chiu
Director of Education
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.
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