USDA Zones vs EcoRegions
The USDA Hardiness zones are broad approximations of climate and weather reality. The truth is more complex.
BioDome 2 Power Systems Integration
A quick update on the Biodome 2.0 at Mezzacello. We are getting ready to integrate power and water reclamation.
Design Challenge: Interview for Your Future Job
In this design challenge we will play a word association game to create a road map for a future career.
Design Challenge: Build a Gate
in this design challenge: build a gate we discovery all the design constraints for proper fences and gates to keep animals safe.
BioRenewables Lesson Plans
BioEngineering Camp 2023 five day lesson plans with lesson, activity, challenge and presentation data. For teacher use at Mezzacello
Activity: Understanding Emotions, Fear and Confidence
In this activity we will discuss fear, failure, and confidence and create a fable.
Design Challenge: Reframe a Problem
In this design challenge we pretend to be encountering an elephant blind. How does the way we look at a problem change us?
Design Challenge: Mastering Fear
In this design challenge we explore the intersections of time, biology, emotion, and courage by creating an emotion hourglass.
Design Challenge: Duct Tape Trivia
In this duct tape design challenge, students must resaerch and create a solution using duct tape and data. No ducks harmed!
Design Challenge: DIY Chicken Feeder & Waterer
Students must find a way to combine three simple items to create an efficient way to feed and water animals.
Design Challenge: Lewis Structure Spelling Bee
In this design challenge, we introduce atomic symbols, quantities, and bonds in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Lesson: Using a Rabbit Sling
In this lesson we learn about animal physiology and psychology and how to properly care for a rabbit when trimming its nails.
Lesson: Treat On Site
This lesson covers the ins and outs of caring for animals, plants, gardens, and insects on an urban farm. Vet tech insights and details.
Design Challenge: The Alcohol Family
This design challenge explores the alcohol molecules and the basics of the Lewis Structures. Using magnets and steel rods.
Lesson: Pressure and Water
In this lesson we explore why water is so special in that it is magnetic and when you constrict it gets stronger. This is sanitary.
Design Challenge: The Large And The Small
This Design Challenge we explore how scale affects the way life, light, and reality interact. We sort the scales here.
Design Challenge: Build a Stomach
In this Design Challenge we will explore how living animals digest food and create energy and wastes by creating a stomach.
Lesson: Understanding pH
In this lesson we explore the pH scale to understand the basic chemistry of life in terms of acids and bases. Water is neutral.
Design Challenge: Prepare a Microscope Slide
In this Design Challenge we present students with the opportunity to see material on a slide and how to see it.
Lesson: Vital Signs and Ecologies
This lesson is an exploration of the way that ecosystems all work together and find life. Here we take their vital signs.