Inspiring Kid Creators and Makers Through Nature
It’s widely known that spending time in nature from adolescence is directly associated with a number of physical health advantages. It is also becoming increasingly understood that a child’s brain is a big beneficiary of the great outdoors. Nature provides numerous benefits for academic learning, including reduced cognitive stress which supports improved attention and focus along with enhanced concentration, all of which are crucial for academics. While parents and educators of athletes and mathletes alike recognize that incorporating environments without walls into the learning regime of tots, kids, and preteens can plant the seed for future success, our Foundation wants Canadians to know that budding artisans, creators, and makers should be exposed to alfresco classrooms and studios too. This is something that the High Renaissance painter, draughtsman, engineer, theorist, sculptor, and architect Leonardo da Vinci discovered for himself:
The world needs more creativity, not just to produce beautiful works of art, but to enable alternative ways of thinking and unblock old patterns and habits that stifle innovation. With all of this in mind, those charged with fostering the development of the next generation of artisans, creators, and makers are encouraged to bring them outside as often as possible. Below is an overview that expands upon what we’ve touched on here in the introduction.
How Frequent Exposure to the Flora and Fauna of Nature in Adolescence Promotes the Development of Artisans, Creators, and Makers
Watching How Wildlife Moves and Functions Inspires Inventive Thinking
Leonardo da Vinci closely observed the flight of birds and bats and summarized his findings in the early 1500s in the 18-page Codice sul volo degli uccelli (or Codex on the flight of birds). His numerous designs and detailed drawings for various flying devices, including ornithopters and helicopter-like machines were directly inspired by the shapes of nature’s winged creatures. While the designs for his flying machines didn’t manifest as tangible things in his own lifetime, they inspired real applications to follow, which is why da Vinci is considered to be a pioneer of aeronautics. Leonardo wasn’t the only one to borrow from nature to come up with technological innovations. Many other inventions have been inspired by the animal kingdom, a field known as biomimicry. Other examples include the following:
- Shinkansen bullet train: The beak shaped front of the train was inspired by the kingfisher bird.
- Velcro: The material that binds a young child’s first shoes and wallets was inspired by seed burs that cling to fur (or clothing) for dispersal.
- Wind turbines: The large windmill-esque machines that convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity were modeled after humpback whale fins.
- Gecko adhesives: As the name infers, the climbing ability of the gecko (also a pollinator) inspired the development of strong and reusable adhesives that unlike traditional sticky tapes, don’t rely on glue or suction but on millions of microscopic contact points between the adhesive and the surface.
- Smart windows: Squid skin inspired smart windows, which are liquid-filled panels that dynamically change how windows let light through that are heralded to cut energy costs of heating, cooling, and lighting by over 40%.
- Sonar systems: Inspired by dolphins.
When a child is given the opportunity to observe varying forms of wildlife in their respective natural habitats, for hours on end, the wheels in their head turn away from linear thinking. This allows them to explore multiple perspectives and make unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. The end result of their observations may simply be the pure enjoyment of doing so, but may also inspire creative inventions that change the world.
Exposure to Natural Colors of Flora and Fauna Inspires Creativity
Exposure to specific colors in nature inspire creativity by influencing emotions, focus, and cognitive processes. Warm colors like yellow, orange, and red that a child observes on flowers and certain species of animals such as birds and insects are generally associated with optimism and energy which can boost innovative thinking. Further, the pink of a cherry blossom or water lily evokes feelings of warmth, playfulness, and imagination and can inspire artistic expression. Meanwhile, cooler colors of nature such as sea and sky blues along with the varying greens on plants can enhance focus and cognitive performance. By making nature a part of a child’s creative-learning environment they are instantly transported into a space where inventiveness and imagination are supported by color.
Exposure to Natural Sounds Inspires Creativity
As addressed in the first two sections above, visual observation most certainly supports the development of artisans, creators, and makers. However, exposure to nature’s numerous sounds can positively impact creativity too. Research confirms that it does so by reducing stress, improving focus, and stimulating the imagination. For instance, the sounds of ocean waves or wind have scientifically been proven to have a calming effect, allowing the mind to rest and rejuvenate, which is crucial for sparking creative thinking. When a child’s mind is less distracted and more relaxed, it is better able to generate new ideas.
Exposure to Natural Scents Inspires Creativity
Sure, your child will come across a few stinky things that pepper the trail of their local eco-reserve, but wondrous scents are also abundant in nature. These delightful smells can be beneficial for creativity too. Studies suggest that exposure to natural scents like those of plants and trees found in forests have a positive impact on a child’s cognitive processes and enhances their creative thinking.
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Supplementary Articles You Might be Interested In
Through the years, our Foundation has created a large catalogue of articles and resources that also touch on today’s topic. Explore others that you may help your child connect to nature and evolve their abilities to become great in whatever it is they are passionate about.
We hope everything above was helpful. Meanwhile, please note that the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation inspires and promotes healthy living and learning for kids across Canada. You can help us help the next generation by pledging your support too! View more on how you can get involved.
