Designed by Nature & Biomimicry

Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series

Designed by Nature & Biomimicry

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a proud partner of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series which provides opportunities for high-ability Victorian Government school students to participate in the innovative Designed by Nature Biomimicry Program.

If you're a Victorian Government School Teacher, apply today!

APPLY NOW

2024 Dates

Term 4

Thursday 10th October - Cranbourne Gardens
Wednesday 13th November - REGIONAL Ballarat Botanical Gardens - LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE
Melbourne - FULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 27th November - REGIONAL Australian Botanic Gardens, Shepparton - FULLY BOOKED

2025 Dates

Term 1

Wednesday 5th March - Melbourne Gardens
Wednesday 26th March - REGIONAL Geelong Botanic Gardens
Thursday 3rd April - Cranbourne Gardens

Term 2

Wednesday 30th April - REGIONAL Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Tuesday 6th May - Cranbourne Gardens
Thursday 15th May - Melbourne Gardens
Wednesday 28th May - REGIONAL Bendigo Botanic Gardens
Wednesday 11th June - Cranbourne Gardens
Thursday 19th June - Melbourne Gardens

Term 3

Thursday 7th August - Cranbourne Gardens
Tuesday 2nd September - Melbourne Gardens
Wednesday 10th September - REGIONAL Sale Botanic Gardens

Designed by Nature Biomimicry Program

This nature-based STEM-based program engages students in the emerging discipline of biomimicry (design inspired by nature). Government school students will observe the tried and tested biological strategies and patterns of nature and learn how nature can be used for design inspiration, and problem-solving.

We have dedicated programs aligned for Primary students (Years 3 - 6) and Secondary students (Years 7 - 10). See program outlines for more information.

The program is led by our Biomimicry Specialist Facilitators and accompanied by an online Resource Pack. Students will come away having participated in a bio-design challenge and an invaluable perspective for future careers in STEM.

Program Availability

This program is available in-person at our Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens.
Regional programs are in-person programs delivered at Regional Botanic Gardens for regional students.
Choose from the set dates outlined above or contact us to enquire about availability for a private session.
The program can be available online through special request OR via our advertised online events.

Designed by Nature Program Details

Students will

Learn examples of bio-inspired inventions and come face-to-face with the plants and systems that influenced them
Identify the tried and tested biological strategies of nature through guided nature observation
Come up with their own nature-inspired ideas

Key focuses

Distinguishing between ‘learning from’ and ‘learning about’ plants
Exploring the function and form of plants
Engaging in systems thinking
Applying nature-inspired solutions to solve a student challenge
Curriculum Links to Integrated STEM, Science, Mathematics, Technology, Design, and Critical and Creative Thinking

Program Outline

This FREE program is funded by Department of Education's Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. Eligible schools may apply for additional funding for transportation and CRT costs via DET.

For more information, or to request a special booking, please email biomimicry@rbg.vic.gov.au .