Designed by Nature & Biomimicry

Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series

Designed by Nature & Biomimicry

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a proud partner of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series which provides opportunities for high-ability Victorian Government school students to participate in the innovative Designed by Nature Biomimicry Program.

If you're a Victorian Government School Teacher, apply today!

APPLY NOW

2025 Dates

Term 1

  • Wednesday 5th March - Melbourne Gardens
  • Thursday 3rd April - Cranbourne Gardens 

 

Term 2 

  • Thursday 1st May  - REGIONAL Ballarat Botanical Gardens
  • Tuesday 6th May - Cranbourne Gardens
  • Thursday 15th May - Melbourne Gardens
  • Wednesday 28th May - REGIONAL Bendigo Botanic Gardens
  • Wednesday 11th June - Cranbourne Gardens
  • Thursday 19th June - Melbourne Gardens 

 

Term 3 

  • Thursday 7th August - Cranbourne Gardens

  • Tuesday 12th August – ONLINE Science Week Event

  • Wednesday 20th August – Australian Botanic Garden, Shepparton 

  • Tuesday 2nd September - Melbourne Gardens

  • Wednesday 10th September - REGIONAL Sale Botanic Gardens 

 

Term 4 

  • Wednesday 12th November – REGIONAL Geelong Botanic Gardens 

 

Designed by Nature Biomimicry Program

This nature-based STEM-based program engages students in the emerging discipline of biomimicry (design inspired by nature). Government school students will observe the tried and tested biological strategies and patterns of nature and learn how nature can be used for design inspiration, and problem-solving.

We have dedicated programs aligned for Primary students (Years 3 - 6) and Secondary students (Years 7 - 10). See program outlines for more information.

The program is led by our Biomimicry Specialist Facilitators and accompanied by an online Resource Pack. Students will come away having participated in a bio-design challenge and an invaluable perspective for future careers in STEM.

Program Availability

  • This program is available in-person at our Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens.
  • Regional programs are in-person programs delivered at Regional Botanic Gardens for regional students.
  • Choose from the set dates outlined above or contact us to enquire about availability for a private session.
  • The program can be available online through special request OR via our advertised online events.

Designed by Nature Program Details 

Students will

  • Learn examples of bio-inspired inventions and come face-to-face with the plants and systems that influenced them
  • Identify the tried and tested biological strategies of nature through guided nature observation
  • Come up with their own nature-inspired ideas

Key focuses

  • Distinguishing between ‘learning from’ and ‘learning about’ plants
  • Exploring the function and form of plants
  • Engaging in systems thinking
  • Applying nature-inspired solutions to solve a student challenge 
  • Curriculum Links to Integrated STEM, Science, Mathematics, Technology, Design, and Critical and Creative Thinking

Program Outline

This FREE program is funded by Department of Education's Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. Eligible schools may apply for additional funding for transportation and CRT costs via DET. 

 

For more information, or to request a special booking, please email biomimicry@rbg.vic.gov.au . 

What is Biomimicry?

Learn more about this fascinating discipline of design inspired by nature.

Learn More