A part of our project work this week focused on the concept of biomimicry, which is a design process whereby humans look to nature to find solutions to current problems. Because nature has been solving problems related to food, water, shelter, and waste management for millions of years, humans can look to these for inspiration. Our exploration included viewing a series of videos that provided examples of biomimicry in action. Examples include familiar objects like velcro, sonar and radar, as well as potential projects related to bacteria or carbon sequestration. One video highlighted the ways in which oak groves can inspire the way we design buildings in order to withstand damage from hurricanes.
We also welcomed Shawn Severance from County Farm Park to the school for a walk on reading the landscape. Our focus this week was on two periods, the Devonian and the Upper Paleolithic. The students were surprised to learn that during the Devonian period, Michigan was covered with a sea filled with coral and other aquatic life. They examined fossils and learned about the coelacanth, a fish that could be found in Michigan during that period that many people thought were extinct. This living fossil was later found off the coast of South Africa in 1938.
We also viewed a map that showed where glaciers covered parts of Michigan and the paths they took as they receded. The impact of the glaciers can't be overstated as they brought healthy soil to the area, particularly Ann Arbor. Native peoples here followed mastodon trails, hunting them. Surprisingly, we can still see evidence of these trails today as Michigan Ave remains a major transportation route.
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