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!

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Biomimicry with Fungi

Special Online VCES Event for National Science Week

Kick off National Science Week with a bang by introducing your students to Biomimicry, the process of using concepts and ideas drawn from nature to solve complex problems.

Term 1
  • All Melbourne dates are FULLY booked
  • Tuesday 21st March – GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS
Term 2
  • Tuesday 9th May – BALLARAT BOTANICAL GARDENS
  • Tuesday 16th May – Melbourne Gardens
  • Monday 29th May – Melbourne Gardens
  • Tuesday 6th June - GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS
  • Thursday 8th June – Cranbourne Gardens
  • Tuesday 20th June – Melbourne Gardens
Term 3

Thursday 3rd August – Cranbourne Gardens

Monday 14th August - National Science Week ONLINE EVENT

Thursday 24th August – Melbourne Gardens

Tuesday 5th September – SALE BOTANIC GARDENS - FULLY BOOKED

Term 4

Tuesday 10th October – BALLARAT BOTANIC GARDENS

Tuesday 17th October – Melbourne Gardens - FULLY BOOKED

Thursday 2nd November – Cranbourne Gardens

Tuesday 14th November - BENDIGO 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 3/4 and Years 5/6) and Secondary students (Years 7/8). 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

What is Biomimicry?

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

Learn More