Educators Training

 

 

BIOMIMICRY EDUCATORS TRAINING WORKSHOP

25-27 July 2014

 

BiomimicrySA is running a Biomimicry Educators Workshop in July. The course will be run by Claire Janisch (leading trainer for biomimicrySA) and Claire Weerepas (Biomimicry Educator of the year at the international Biomimicry Conference in Boston in 2013). Claire Weerepas has integrated biomimicry successfully into the St. Alban’s College’s curriculum over the past 5 years. This workshop is aimed at high school educators and although most applicable to IEB teachers, will be very valuable for all schools and for anyone wanting to include biomimicry in their education curriculum, including environmental educators and home-schoolers.

 

Biomimicry is applicable to the following subjects:

  • Life Sciences, Sciences, Technology, Design & Art, Engineering, Environmental Education, Innovation, Systems Thinking, interdisciplinary programs and creativity.

 

The course will include:

  • An introduction to biomimicry and its relevance to education
  • The basic tools and skills of biomimicry thinking
  • Ideas of how and where to incorporate Biomimicry thinking into existing curriculum.
  • Examples of course work material that Claire Weerepas has adapted and used as a syllabus at St. Alban’s College
  • Examples of tasks that can be done to further understand the context with assessment rubrics that involve various skills
  • Past test type question papers with marking guidelines
  • An overview of biomimicry resources and materials available for teachers
  • An introduction to the international biomimicry education network and international biomimicry education resources

The workshop is hosted by Michaelhouse School in the KZN Midlands.

 

DATES: 25-27 JULY 2014

TIMES: 9am-4.30pm 25-26 July and 9am-12pm 27 July.

VENUE: The Media Lecture Theatre, Michaelhouse School, Balgowan, KZN

COST: R2,500 pp**

This includes tuition, workbooks, lunches, tea/coffee, nature reserve excursions. It does not include accommodation.

**Special discounted rate of R2000pp if 2 or more educators sign up from one school/organization.

 

ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation is available at guesthouses on the Midlands Meander. Closest BnB's are: Notting Hill and Twin Pools.

 

TO BOOK FOR THIS WORKSHOP: Email claire[a]biomimicrysa.co.za

 

 

“The concept of Biomimicry landed in my lap, quite by accident. After delving into the available research and attending a week-long workshop offered by the Biomimicry Institute, my enthusiasm for the subject has only grown and my teaching of Life Sciences has become an even richer and more worthwhile experience for my learners.  Biomimicry has given me a new and innovative approach to expanding their understanding and appreciation for the subject and thus for the natural world. It has helped me convincingly answer that frequently asked question:  “Why should I know this?”  Or “What will I use this for?”  It really does show that no matter which career path you follow, there will be a need to understand how the living world is put together and how it functions.  Particularly in any field that involves design, engineering and any career requiring innovative approaches to solving problems.  Being able to offer more suggestions as to where Life Sciences can be applied has encouraged more of my learners to take the subject in Grade 10 and also onto tertiary level. Biomimicry has also helped me to draw more links between the different facets of the Natural Sciences and has certainly increased the overlap of Technology and the Sciences.” - Claire Weerepas, Head of Life Sciences, St Alban’s College