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Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions

by Anjali Joshi

Insect design as a source of invention

Regular price $20.80 USD
Regular price $34.67 USD Sale price $20.80 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

Insect design as a source of invention

Anjali Joshi connects the anatomy and behavior of insects with ideas scientists are exploring for practical inventions. Across eight chapters, the book considers subjects such as camouflage, teamwork, energy use, navigation and adaptation, linking insect examples to questions about technology and sustainability. Sidebars, accessible language and full-color illustrations support its STEM focus. Examples include mosquito-inspired needles, dragonfly-wing models for drones and termite strategies for cooling buildings—showing how close observation of small creatures can raise larger questions about design and environmental challenges.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 interested in insects and the natural world
  • Young readers curious about STEM, engineering and biomimicry
  • Insect enthusiasts and readers who are less fond of bugs but curious about their adaptations

Themes

Insect anatomy and behaviorBiomimicry and engineeringSustainabilityObservation and adaptation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A fascinating look at the ingenious engineering and incredible anatomical design of insects, and how they are inspiring scientists to create a more sustainable world.

Insects are the tiny superheroes of the natural world: from the way they can camouflage themselves to their amazing teamwork, their incredible superpowers have been inspiring scientists for generations. And the more we discover about insect behavior--how they use energy, navigate, adapt, and more--the more they can teach us about how to live. 

Beautifully designed with full-color illustration throughout and packed with STEM content, Built Like a Bug invites readers to look beyond what they think they know about the teeny tiny creepy crawlers all around us. Could we one day adapt to avoid harmful foods like cockroaches? Will needles mimicking mosquitoes hurt less? How could drones modeled after dragonfly wings help prevent environmental disasters? What can termites teach us about how to stay cool in an increasingly warming world? Across eight chapters featuring sidebars, accessible language, and multiple examples from the insect world, science educator Anjali Joshi's exploration of the amazing inventions borne from studying bug behavior will enthrall insect enthusiasts and insectophobes alike.

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