Beastly Bionics

Rad Robots, Brilliant Biomimicry, and Incredible Inventions Inspired by Nature

Look inside
Paperback
$14.99 US
On sale Jun 23, 2020 | 96 Pages | 9781426336737

Discover how the natural world inspires innovation in science and technology to create the latest and greatest breakthroughs and discoveries in this exciting book.

Did you know that scientists have developed a bionic tool shaped like an elephant's trunk that helps lift heavy objects? Or that the needle-like pointed beak of the kingfisher bird encouraged engineers in Japan to change the design of the Shinkansen "bullet trains" to reduce noise? Across multiple fields of study and methods of problem-solving, scientists are turning to biomimicry, or engineering inspired by biology or nature, to make all kinds of cool technological advancements. From robots that protect people and gather information to everyday inventions, like reflectors on the roads and ice-proof coatings for airplanes, to new sources of renewable energy, this book dives into the ways that nature can give us ideas on how to improve our world. Discover more than 40 examples of technology influenced by animals, learn about some of the incredible creatures who have inspired multiple creations, and meet some of the scientists and the stories behind their inventions.
Jennifer Swanson is a life-long LEGO bricks enthusiast. After all, what better way to learn engineering and design than by building it yourself? She even asked for—and to the delight of her and her new husband— received a LEGO set as a wedding gift! Jennifer not only grew up in a house filled with LEGO bricks, but raised three children who loved them as well. An award-winning author of multiple STEM books for kids, she is thrilled to be writing this book, which combines her love of LEGO bricks with the science of the world around her.

Consultant:
David Holmes is a geography consultant who lives in South West England. He is an ex-teacher, best-selling GCSE and GCE Geography author, and Senior Examiner—with a keen interest in technology, data, as well as fieldwork. He is a LEGO fan and reckons he can build anything that is in this book (if he can get his hands on enough LEGO bricks!). View titles by Jennifer Swanson

About

Discover how the natural world inspires innovation in science and technology to create the latest and greatest breakthroughs and discoveries in this exciting book.

Did you know that scientists have developed a bionic tool shaped like an elephant's trunk that helps lift heavy objects? Or that the needle-like pointed beak of the kingfisher bird encouraged engineers in Japan to change the design of the Shinkansen "bullet trains" to reduce noise? Across multiple fields of study and methods of problem-solving, scientists are turning to biomimicry, or engineering inspired by biology or nature, to make all kinds of cool technological advancements. From robots that protect people and gather information to everyday inventions, like reflectors on the roads and ice-proof coatings for airplanes, to new sources of renewable energy, this book dives into the ways that nature can give us ideas on how to improve our world. Discover more than 40 examples of technology influenced by animals, learn about some of the incredible creatures who have inspired multiple creations, and meet some of the scientists and the stories behind their inventions.

Author

Jennifer Swanson is a life-long LEGO bricks enthusiast. After all, what better way to learn engineering and design than by building it yourself? She even asked for—and to the delight of her and her new husband— received a LEGO set as a wedding gift! Jennifer not only grew up in a house filled with LEGO bricks, but raised three children who loved them as well. An award-winning author of multiple STEM books for kids, she is thrilled to be writing this book, which combines her love of LEGO bricks with the science of the world around her.

Consultant:
David Holmes is a geography consultant who lives in South West England. He is an ex-teacher, best-selling GCSE and GCE Geography author, and Senior Examiner—with a keen interest in technology, data, as well as fieldwork. He is a LEGO fan and reckons he can build anything that is in this book (if he can get his hands on enough LEGO bricks!). View titles by Jennifer Swanson

Books for National Depression Education and Awareness Month

For National Depression Education and Awareness Month in October, we are sharing a collection of titles that educates and informs on depression, including personal stories from those who have experienced depression and topics that range from causes and symptoms of depression to how to develop coping mechanisms to battle depression.

Read more

Horror Titles for the Halloween Season

In celebration of the Halloween season, we are sharing horror books that are aligned with the themes of the holiday: the sometimes unknown and scary creatures and witches. From classic ghost stories and popular novels that are celebrated today, in literature courses and beyond, to contemporary stories about the monsters that hide in the dark, our list

Read more

Books for LGBTQIA+ History Month

For LGBTQIA+ History Month in October, we’re celebrating the shared history of individuals within the community and the importance of the activists who have fought for their rights and the rights of others. We acknowledge the varying and diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community that have shaped history and have led the way for those

Read more