Drawing parallels between natural phenomena and human inventions, an intriguing study of how nature works looks at how burrs inspired the development of Velcro, how squid proved to be a working example for jet engines, and how teeth became prototypes for chisels.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Many kids today are more interested in computers and robots than frogs or ferns, and personally, I think this bodes ill for an appreciation of nature. If you yourself are too busy to take your kids out to the fields or forests for a real natural experience, this is a great book to help convince them that there is, if nothing else, a utilitarian value to preserving nature. Most every technological solution humans have painstakingly contrived already existed in nature in some fashion. And if we want to build better computers and robots, we should conserve ecosystems filled with the billions of years of successfully evolved engineering solutions to emulate. This is a slightly uncomfortable argument, akin to saving rainforests for possible pharmacological value, but it works with some people!
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Blending natural science and technology, Gates packs a tremendous amount of information into this large, colorful volume. Through clear, full-color photographs, illustrations, and magnifications, he compares the structure of a tree and a cathedral; suckers on an octopus's tentacles and suction cups; a plant's burrs and Velcro; rose thorns and barbed wire; the nautilus (a primitive mollusk) and a submarine, etc. Some comparisons are a stretch. The author asserts that future inventions will be inspired by nature as humans learn more about the millions of yet undiscovered organisms in our world. This title is more for browsing than reports, although it could certainly be used as a starting point for science projects.?Kathleen McCabe, East Meadow Public Library, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nature Got There First,
By A Customer
This review is from: Nature Got There First: Inventions Inspired by Nature (Hardcover)
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."
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