Discovery Engineering in Biology

Book excerpt: "Who knew that small, plant-eating mammals called pikas helped scientists find new ways to survive extreme weather events, or that algae could be used as airplane fuel? Your students will learn about amazing scientific advancements like these when you use the lessons in Discovery Engineering in Biology: Case Studies for Grades 6-12. The book is a lively way to blend history, real-world perspectives, 21st-century skills, and engineering into your biology or STEM curriculum. Like Discovery Engineering in Physical Science (see p. XX), this book features case studies about observations and accidental discoveries that led to the invention of new products and problem-solving applications. The 20 lessons are both flexible and easy to use. After reading a historical account of an actual innovation, students explore related activities that connect to such topics as molecules and organisms, ecosystems, heredity, and biological evolution. Then they're prompted to think creatively about science from serendipity. They conduct research, analyze data, and use the engineering design process to develop products or applications of their own. Students are sure to be intrigued by investigations with titles such as "Vindicating Venom: Using Biological Mechanisms to Treat Diseases and Disorders" and "Revealing Repeats: The Accidental Discovery of DNA Fingerprinting." Discovery Engineering in Biology is an engaging way to help students discover that when accidents happen, the outcome can be an incredible innovation"--