Engineering Insects SISSI 2014-2015

Engineers Engineers make things to solve problems and to help people. We can observe nature in action and use that knowledge to inspire new ideas. We can copy things found in nature. This is called bio mimicry.

Bio mimicry Problem: How can I make something that will fly? How can I make something that will stick? How can I make something that will pierce, suck, or chew?

Bio mimicry Airplane wings and body shapes modeled after birds

An ice pick for mountain climbers designed after the woodpecker

Boat hulls designed after the shapes of fish and sharks

Glow sticks made with light-up chemicals, like fireflies

Adaptations of Insects Insects have compound eyes to see things up close from all directions.

Adaptations of Insects Insect wings are thin membranes supported by a network of veins. The wings are designed so they can be folded.

Insect Flight http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Motion_of_Insectwing.gif a wings b joints c dorsoventral muscles d longitudinal muscles

Adaptations of Insects Grasshoppers have long legs for jumping. Their ears are located on their knees!

Adaptations of Insects Grasshoppers unfold their long legs for jumping!

Adaptations of Insects Bees have hairs that cause pollen to stick.

Adaptations of Insects A housefly uses its sponge-like mouth to soak up liquid.

Adaptations of Insects The mosquito’s mouth allows it to pierce the skin and suck blood.

Adaptations of Insects The ant’s mouth is a mandible designed for chewing plant material.

Adaptations of Insects The butterfly’s proboscis is a long, flexible tubelike mouth for sucking.

Engineering an Exoskeleton Insects have structures that help protect them. They have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton. Could you engineer an exoskeleton? It must be: Hard Waterproof Lightweight Able to bend in places (joints) What materials would you use?

Engineering Design Process Define the problem Come up with ideas (brainstorm) Select the most promising design Communicate the design Create and test the design Evaluate and revise the design

Insects Inspire Engineers http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180556950/of-flybots-and-bug-eyes-insects-inspire-inventors Can you invent something based on an insect?

Resources for Teachers https://www.teachengineering.org/   http://tryengineering.org/lesson-plans