The effects of biomimicry applications on students in 8th class Technology and Design course

The aim of this research is to determine the effects of biomimicry, which has an important role in gaining problem-solving skills by modelling the nature, in the scope of Technology and Design course, on students. One of the qualitative research methods, action research design was used in the study. The study was conducted with 36 students (22 girls and 14 boys) aged between 12 and 14 at 8th grade (Group A and Group B) in a primary school located in a village in Sur disctrict of Diyarbakır province, in 2020-2021 academic year. Research data was obtained from observation, interviews, documents and audio-visual materials. Descriptive analysis was used for the analysis of data. According to the findings, in addition to theoretical knowledge, the subject of biomimicry in the Technology and Design course was structured with examples that students encounter, know and are closely interested in, and the course was mostly taught in nature. The subject of biomimicry was taught in 4 weeks as extracurricular activities apart from the official curriculum. All of the students understood the subject of biomimicry and were able to successfully make their designs on paper. After the students studied the subject of biomimicry, their curiosity towards nature increased and they began to examine and investigate nature more carefully. After the subject of biomimicry, students started to see nature as a teacher. The subject of biomimicry has contributed positively to the majority of students in imagining, producing creative ideas and presenting designs. Students wanted to continue these creative ideas in their future lives. While making biomimicry applications, the students tried to find answers to current needs, inspired by the characteristics of all living and non-living things in nature. The majority of the designs made by the students were in the field of industrial design and textile design. In addition, creative ideas emerged within these studies. Only one student worked in the fields of architectural and artistic design, and those studies were original and creative. Aircraft and helicopter designs made in the field of engineering design were inspired by the examples given in the course. Key Words: Biomimicry, Nature, Technology, Design