Ask Nature: An Interactive Platform to Introduce Biomimicry

AskNature.org is a free online resource created by the Biomimicry Institute that helps educators and students explore how nature solves problems—and how we can learn from those solutions. It acts like a “field guide to the natural world,” but with a twist: instead of just learning about plants and animals, users discover the strategies living things use to survive and thrive, from how geckos stick to walls to how plants manage water.

For educators, AskNature is a powerful tool for introducing biomimicry, the idea that nature can inspire innovation and sustainable design. The platform includes thousands of biological strategies, real-world innovations inspired by nature, and ready-to-use teaching resources that support inquiry-based learning. It encourages students to think critically, ask deeper questions, and see nature not just as something to protect, but as a mentor and problem-solver, making it an engaging way to connect science, creativity, and environmental stewardship in the classroom.