Nature Got There First: Inventions Inspired by Nature

by Phil Gates

Book Overview

Birds conquered the air long before the Wright Brothers, the burrs on plants are uncannily similar to velcro fastenings, rattlesnakes have an alarm system, bats and dolphins have their own form of sonar... Nature is full of amazing designs and 'mechanisms' that appear to have inspired the engineering and technology we use today. Nature Got There First by Dr. Phil Gates shows you how and why.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0753464101
• ISBN13: 9780753464106
• Release Date: June 2010
• Publisher: Kingfisher
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.5" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Real-world examples of physical principles in action

Everyone who studies biology cannot help but be astonished at how resourceful nature is. Living creatures are superbly adapted to apply the physical and chemical laws of the universe in order to increase their chances for survival. In fact, it can be strongly argued that most of the inventions created by humans appear in the wild in some form. There are a few exceptions, on Earth, nature has never invented the wheel and certainly nuclear energy seems beyond the realm of possibility. In this book, many human inventions, such as heavier than air flight, the lever, the magnetic compass, pottery, tweezers, scissors, jet propulsion, defensive armor, hydraulics and parachuting are demonstrated. The manners in which living creatures make use of these principles are also explained. High school biology and physics classes can be significantly enlivened by having the students read and understand this book. One common complaint about science classes is that they are too theoretical and dull. In this book you can see true real-world applications of physical principles.

Nature Got There First

This is a wonderful book for young and old alike. It examines how humans found ideas for inventions from the world we live in. You will find yourself amazed as you see the similarities between man's inventions and the way nature works. From the way the wings of the albatross help it glide for long distances as compared to the way a glider works, or as burrs from thistle plants attach to our clothing in the same way velcro works, the inventions are endless! Who knows...this book may inspire young minds to investigate nature more closely to come up with more inventions. A great gift for children or adults. I recommend it highly! Although this book is not religious, for me I see the design in creation pointing to a Wise Master Designer, and goes along with a favorite quote I know..."Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God."