This summer, we welcomed high school students to BIOINS 101: Bio-Inspired Design for the second edition of the course, organized as part of the METU Engineering Summer School.
Over two days, participants explored how nature solves structural challenges, investigating biological systems—from claws and joints to bones and skeletal structures—and translating these principles into engineering ideas.
Through sketching, digital modeling, and 3D printing, students developed and fabricated their own prototypes before putting them to the test in the Maximum Load-Bearing Challenge.
BIOINS 101 is about more than taking inspiration from nature. It is about observing, experimenting, making, testing, and learning through the design process.
Following last year's successful experience, it was exciting to bring the course back for a second time and once again share the Design Factory's hands-on, maker-centered approach with a new group of curious young participant
