Video: Biomimicry Educator Training Workshop - Findhorn, Scotland

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Video Description: 

August 25-31, 2012

Biomimicry Educator Training Workshop 

Learn about biomimicry and how to teach it while exploring five habitats in coastal northeast Scotland!

 

  Join us for a weeklong Biomimicry Educator Training Workshop, August 25 – 31, hosted at Findhorn College, the educational arm of the famous Findhorn Ecovillage. Designed for k-12, university, and informal science educators, the workshop offers instruction in the fundamentals of biomimicry, an introduction to Life’s Principles, and communication strategies for sharing biomimicry with students of any age. Participants will learn from local plants, animals, and ecosystems while exploring tidal bays, rivers, forests, and heather dunelands on the fringe of the Scottish highlands. And they'll leave the course with a toolkit of resources and a plan for incorporating biomimicry education into their own curricula and programs.Register directly with Findhorn College.

   

Where: Findhorn College, Scotland

 

When: August 25-31, 2012

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for high school, college or university, and informal science teachers or lecturers who are interested in learning the fundamentals of biomimicry and integrating biomimicry teaching into new or existing courses, programs, displays, or exhibits. 

What will participants learn?

  • A solid understanding of what biomimicry is and how it differs from other bio-inspired approaches
  • The practical application of biomimicry, including Life's Principles, as a design and sustainability tool
  • Communication strategies and interpretive approaches for disseminating biomimicry knowledge, including to formal students and the general public
  • Core skills for fostering collaborative design work
  • Biological and ecological principles relevant to design
  • Detailed examples of the latest biomimetic case studies
  • How to leverage existing resources in their given institutions
  • Curricula, communication strategies, funding opportunities, and collaboration strategies for bringing biomimicry into the classroom
  • Design teaching tips from their peers
What will participants do?  
  • Learn from local plants, animals, and ecosystems – and how best to make use of their local environment for educational purposes
  • Apply the biomimicry methodology to a mini-design challenge
  • Practice using life's sustainable design principles as an assessment tool
  • Share curricula and contribute to the idea pool for enhancing biomimicry education
  • Co-develop biomimicry course and/or interpretive materials
  • Assess opportunities and challenges within their own institutions or classrooms
 
 What will participants take home? 
  • New inspiration for bringing nature's ideas to the classroom or exhibit space, along with a toolkit of methods, best practices, and activities
  • One or two in-depth case studies to use as teaching tools
  • One or two introductory biomimicry presentations, developed by the group
  • Access to teaching and/or curricula modules developed by TBI
  • A new network of enthusiastic biomimicry educators to call on for advice, and access to our supportive Biomimicry Education Network
  • Resources and contacts for further exploration
  • University professors, administrators, or PhD candidates who complete this training will also be eligible to become Biomimicry Fellows.

Instructors: Megan Schuknecht, Director of University Education, and Sam Stier, Director of Public and Informal Education

Cost: (includes course materials, full board, and accommodations through Friday after the course ends)

  • £895 students
  • £950 low income 
  • £1200 medium income

Apply now through Findhorn College

Contact Information:
Findhorn College, The Park, Findhorn, Forres, IV36 3TZ
Tel: 01309 690806,
E-mail: admin[at]findhorncollege.org