Rob Gilson, Director of Innovation, Talks Biomimicry and the Inspirations of Nature

Earlier this month, our Director of Innovation and beloved STEAM Teacher, Rob Gilson, presented at Pocket Lab's Science Is Cool Unconference, from the Biomimicry Institute.

In his presentation, Rob discussed how at Blue School, the design process begins with Empathy, which is the most essential step of all. Designing from a place of empathy asks: who is this for, and why are we doing this? Looking toward biomimicry brings powerful empathy and purpose to design work. 

Rob also discusses the value of looking to nature for effective design solutions and nature’s awesome power to heal itself and lean toward balance. One of his most rewarding experiences in the STEAM Lab is helping students explore the alliance we as humans have with nature. 

This culminates for 8th graders at Blue School in the Youth Design Challenge, a challenge put forth by the Biomimicry Institute challenging middle school students to design solutions to critical real-world problems that draw upon the remarkable biology within Nature. Recent examples of proposed solutions from Blue School students include alternatives to styrofoam made from mycelium and stable emergency housing for climate refugees inspired by trees and woodpeckers. 

But why does this really matter? According to Rob,

"The earlier that we honestly and sincerely expose and explore with our children these powerful responsibilities we all have and the choices we can all make, the greater chance we have of taking the right steps into the future together."

Want to be inspired? Watch Rob get into specifics and go into eloquent and exciting detail in his full presentation below.