Invented by Animals
What’s inside...
This book showcases various instances where human scientists have turned to the animal kingdom for inspiration in solving problems and creating new tools, highlighting how animals have independently invented solutions long before humans. It features stories of remarkable animal innovators, like a shark who designed ultra-fast swimming shorts and a snail who developed a naturally cooling house, emphasizing the ingenuity present in the natural world.
Age
7-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most interesting invention made by animals in the book?
How do you think the animals' creations help them survive in their environments?
Can you think of any ways humans might learn from these animal inventions?
Why do you think it's important to understand and respect how animals solve problems?
Which animal inventor would you like to learn more about and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin your reading session by briefly discussing what an invention is, setting the stage for deeper understanding as you read. As you go through the book, pause at each animal's invention to allow your child to reflect and absorb the information. Encourage your child to imagine how their life might change if they could use one of the animal inventions, fostering creativity and a personal connection to the material. Finally, relate the content back to human inventions, prompting your child to see the interconnectedness of nature and human innovation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The book showcases various animals and the fascinating inventions they have inspired, highlighting the importance of observing nature and thinking creatively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe the world around them and think outside the box to come up with innovative solutions to problems they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature
Explanation: 'Invented by Animals' makes it clear how much human inventions owe to observations of the natural world, teaching children to respect and value nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to engage more with their natural surroundings, promote outdoor activities, and foster a sense of environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book illustrates how various challenges faced by animals have led to inventive solutions, which in turn have inspired human inventions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to identify problems in their own life and thinking creatively to find solutions rather than feeling frustrated or giving up.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Biodiversity
Explanation: By exploring different animals and their unique abilities that have led to human innovations, the book instills a sense of wonder about the diversity of life on Earth.
Real-World Application: This understanding can lead to greater interest in science and biology, potentially sparking lifelong passions or careers in these fields.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: Animals often adapt to their environments in innovative ways which are explored in this book, showcasing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to changing situations in their own lives, whether that's dealing with changes at school, home, or in their social circles.