Situation: New fabrics are being invented as we speak. Many fabrics are trying to mimic or copy nature. The special term used for these fabrics is Bio-mimetics. Challenge 1: (Grade 2-3) Using the leaves as your source of inspiration: design a textile product which copies your inspiration – Waterproof Fabric. Remember textiles products can be clothing, interiors such as curtains and bedding, outdoors products such as tents and hammocks and even building materials such as insulation. Use the success criteria below to work out what you need to include. Aim high.
Challenge 2: (grade 4+) Select one Bio-mimetic fabric from the 3 listed (overleaf) and design a textile product which uses the key features of that fabric, e.g. waterproofing; insulation and warmth or the use of suckers to stick your product to a desired surface. Remember textiles products can be clothing, interiors such as curtains and bedding, outdoors products such as tents and hammocks and even building materials such as insulation. Use the success criteria below to work out what you need to include. Aim high.
You should hand in… Your Design (coloured and labelled)
MEG
Evaluation (written in full sentences)
Your research for level 6 and above (key information should be highlighted)
Success criteria
Grade 2
You have used the leaf bio-mimetic fabric and designed a product clearly linked to the waterproofing feature. You have added labels and colour to explain your design idea.
Grade 3
You have used the leaf bio-mimetic fabric and designed a ‘creative’ product clearly linked to the waterproofing feature. You have added labels and colour to explain your design idea. You have completed the evaluation.
Grade 4
You have selected a bio-mimetic fabric and designed a ‘creative’ product clearly linked to its special features. You have added labels and colour to explain your design idea. You have completed the evaluation in depth, making sure you have highlighted both the products strengths and weaknesses.
Grade 5
As above: but with an outstanding level of care and attention to the quality of the presentation and the creativity applied to the design idea. You have identified realistic ways in which the product would need to be developed further for it to be a viable product and sold to the general public.
Teacher assessment
Bio-mimetic Fabrics:
1. Leaves
2. Honeycomb
3. Octopus suckers
The membrane (skin) of a leaf allows to moisture to escape whilst remaining waterproof from the outside… think about waterproof clothing that might need to let sweat out!
Bees produce a hexagonal structure for their young. The hexagons have the advantage of
The shape of octopus suckers allow them to stick onto a surface and unstuck as needed… think about non slip safety features/ stick able products.
Example:
• • •
Strength Warmth Take up less space
Product:_______________________ __ Inspired by:______________________ Draw and label your design below, don’t forget to label and add colour.
Evaluation: Explain which bio-mimetic fabric have you chosen and what are its strengths?
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ What is the function of your product?
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ What are the strengths of your product?
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ What are the weaknesses of your product?
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________ How could your product be improved further; to ensure its success?
You have used the leaf bio-mimetic fabric and designed a product clearly linked to the waterproofing feature. You have added labels and colour to explain your design idea. Grade 3. You have used the leaf bio-mimetic fabric and designed a 'creative' product clearly linked to the waterproofing feature. You have added.
