Awesome Innovations Inspired by Plants

Plants can do amazing things. They grow in the most unlikely places. They soak up sunlight for energy, and use rain, wind, and animals to spread their seeds. Some plants lure insects for food. Others can self-clean. Humans have copied many clever plant tricks. Today, scientists are placing technology inside plants. The results are awesome.

Gr 4-6–Young readers who are fascinated by animals will enjoy these titles that showcase examples of biomimicry. Photos depict animals and the innovations they have inspired; “Fun Facts” offer extra details. The text explains the problems researchers are trying to solve and how nature offers possible solutions. Examples include the Japanese bullet train with a nose like a kingfisher’s beak and coatings based on sharkskin that reduce bacteria on surfaces. Back matter features a recap of key concepts and a list of suggestions for those who would like to pursue a career as an engineer, architect, or inventor. VERDICT A wonderful set to use in covering engineering and design standards.--School Library Journal, November 1, 2020