Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature - Hardcover

Nordstrom, Kristen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1580899471 ISBN 13: 9781580899475

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2021

Synopsis

“Young readers will be captivated by the contemporary inventors and inventions featured, and inspired to incorporate biomimicry into their own designs.”
—Miranda Paul, author of One Plastic Bag and Water is Water

Who's the best teacher for scientists, engineers, AND designers? Mother nature, of course!

When an inventor is inspired by nature for a new creation, they are practicing something called biomimicry. Meet ten real-life scientists, engineers, and designers who imitate plants and animals to create amazing new technology. An engineer shapes the nose of his train like a kingfisher's beak. A scientist models her solar cell on the mighty leaf. Discover how we copy nature's good ideas to solve real-world problems!


WINNER AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books

A National Science Teacher Association Best STEM Book

“Mimic Makers reveals marvels of engineering inspired by nature with images that invite careful observation and explanations that are expressive, but never over simplified.”
—Kim Parfitt, AP Biology and Environmental Science teacher, curriculum developer for Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biointeractive, and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching.


“Amazing! . . . Love that the book features the scientists and inventors, and that there is a diverse set of them. 
—Janine Benyus, co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute

About this title

About the Author

Kristen Nordstrom is a full-time teacher at a STEAM Academy teaching biomimicry and other science topics.  This Title One, public elementary school was started by a group of dedicated teachers and one amazing principal, to bring the power of hands-on science to second language learners and socio-economically challenged students. Kristen is a member of NSTA and Mimic Makers is her first book.

Paul Boston is the author and illustrator of Map Your Way, Find Your Way Under the Sea, and several other children's books. He starts all his artwork with his trusty ballpoint pen and brings the drawings to bright, bold, busy life on his computer.

Reviews

K-Gr 3-This work invites readers to imagine how nature inspires innovative thinkers to create real-world solutions. Each mimic maker is introduced through illustrations that follow the development of a biomimicry project from nature to invention; short explanatory paragraphs are tucked into the artwork to support and expand the visual narrative. The renderings do a lot of the storytelling, giving young readers the opportunity to explore and ask questions based on what they see. Boston's illustrations are intricate and accessible, drawing readers in for a closer look at the action. Nordstrom's text doesn't overwhelm the page; rather, it serves as a guidance component for questions young readers may have about the research or technology presented. This is a good book to open up and let young readers take the lead by reading the illustrations first. Adults reading along can build on initial visual readings with the provided text, generating discussions about science, nature, and technology. Mimic Makers also offers an opportunity to "meet" the makers: short biographies with photographs in the back matter identify the real-life mimic makers presented in the book. There are also suggestions for kids on how they can be mimic makers, as well as a series of resources and a bibliography for further study. VERDICT Purchase this fascinating informational text for science collections and classroom use.-Jessica Schriver, Rutgers Univ., Newark, NJα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1580899471
• ISBN 13: 9781580899475
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Boston Paul
• Number of pages: 48