Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College application deadline.
In-person Program
Innovation Inspired by Nature: A Biomimicry Challenge
Brown’s biomimicry course turns observations of nature into environmental design ideas through research, sketching, recyclable models and peer feedback.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Innovation Inspired by Nature at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Completing grades 9–12
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
BiologyDesignEnvironmental Science
Accommodation: Single, double or triple rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Latest verified cycle: 2026
Sessions / cadence: Weekdays 8:30–11:20 a.m.; 2–3 hours homework/day
Tutors / faculty: Megan Archer; Angelica Bazinet
Campus experience: Zoo field trips; campus activities
Innovation Inspired by Nature summary
This course connects biology and environmental problem-solving through design thinking. Students use patterns in nature to develop and explain a potential solution to an environmental issue.
Expect observational sketching, research, a model made from recyclable materials and repeated peer feedback. Zoo field trips provide firsthand inspiration for the design work.
It suits students who enjoy moving between scientific observation and creative making. Independent reading and research are part of the experience.
What is Innovation Inspired by Nature: A Biomimicry Challenge?
Innovation Inspired by Nature: A Biomimicry Challenge is a Brown University pre-college course that explores environmental design through biological inspiration. Students research an issue, formulate a design question and use patterns in nature to investigate a possible solution.
The practical work combines observational sketching, recyclable model construction and visual presentation. Field trips to Roger Williams Park Zoo support firsthand observation, while peer review helps students refine their ideas. Independent readings and research inform the project throughout the course.
Why Succeed highlights Innovation Inspired by Nature
The project gives biological observation a clear purpose by linking it to an environmental design question.
Sketching and recyclable model building make students explain how an idea could work in practice.
Peer review treats revision as part of problem-solving rather than ending with the first idea.
Zoo field trips connect classroom reasoning with firsthand observation of animals and nature.
A Course Performance Report provides narrative instructor feedback alongside the completion credential.
Who is Innovation Inspired by Nature for?
Best for
Students who enjoy biology, environmental questions and creative design, and want to develop an idea through research, making and feedback.
Not ideal if
You want laboratory experiments or a credit-bearing course, or prefer a schedule with little independent project work.
Is Innovation Inspired by Nature worth it?
The course is worth considering if you want to test how biology can inform practical design decisions. Its strongest feature is the sequence from observation and research to a model, peer revision and presentation, which gives you specific work to reflect on afterward.
The value depends on your interest in that process and your family's budget. This is a non-credit experience, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Judge it by the learning and project experience rather than an expected admissions advantage.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,786; $4,482; includes Course instruction., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital completion certificate after successful completion., Instructor-written Course Performance Report..
Accommodation
Single, double or triple rooms
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Innovation Inspired by Nature need?
Effort level
Substantial daily academic and project work.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline for essays, grades and any English testing.
Main challenge
Turning a biological observation into a clearly justified environmental design solution.
Typical preparation
Refresh the biology you have studied and practice recording natural patterns through sketches.
Draft your application essay and gather current and previous academic-year grades.
Review the fieldwork packing list and prepare for outdoor observation in changing weather.
Plan your independent study time and discuss travel, housing and communication arrangements with your family.
Useful if
You want to practice research, visual explanation and responding to constructive criticism.
What do students do on Innovation Inspired by Nature?
You develop a nature-inspired response to an environmental problem using design thinking. Research, outdoor observation and practical model building feed into a project that you revise and present.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Research an environmental issue and formulate a clear design question.
- 2
Observe nature and animals, including during field trips to Roger Williams Park Zoo.
- 3
Identify biological patterns and strategies that could inform a solution.
- 4
Record observations and develop ideas through sketching.
- 5
Construct a model using simple recyclable materials.
- 6
Use peer review and constructive feedback to improve your proposed solution.
- 7
Share the project through a visual presentation.
Innovation Inspired by Nature dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
22 June-2 July 2026
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Final decisions for the 2026 application cycle.
Check-in and orientation
21 June 2026
Check-in at Sayles Hall, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern Time.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-2 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Check-in and orientation | 21 June 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students completing grades 9–12.
Ages 14–18 under Summer@Brown's program requirements.
Strong English language proficiency.
A year of biology is recommended.
Brown Pre-College admission and separate course enrollment are required.
Applicable English-language test results are required for international applicants.
How much does Innovation Inspired by Nature cost?
Residential program fee
$5,786 — Two-week option with housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $4,482 — Two-week option with one campus meal daily.
- Application fee: $80 — Eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; generally non-refundable.
- Conditional insurance fee: $80 — Applies to international students and uninsured U.S. students.
- Sibley scholarships: Need-based assistance — Limited funding for eligible U.S. applicants.
- PPSD scholarships: Full scholarship — For qualifying admitted Providence Public School District students.
- Employee dependent scholarships: 20% or 50% — Eligibility and tax treatment depend on the selected option.
What's included
Course instruction., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital completion certificate after successful completion., Instructor-written Course Performance Report.
How to apply to Innovation Inspired by Nature
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and write a 250–500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.
- 4
Provide any applicable English-language results and any recommendation you elect to submit.
- 5
Pay the $80 application fee or request an eligible fee waiver.
- 6
Monitor your portal and email for missing-material requests and the admissions decision.
- 7
After admission, review your desired course before submitting the $500 deposit.
- 8
Complete course enrollment separately in the Student Portal.
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What does Innovation Inspired by Nature cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Environmental design questions
Research an environmental issue and formulate a clear question to guide your design.
Biological patterns and strategies
Investigate how patterns in nature can inform potential solutions to environmental problems.
Observation and fieldwork
Observe animals and nature firsthand during zoo field trips and record ideas through sketching.
Models, feedback and presentation
Construct a recyclable model, refine it through peer feedback and explain your project visually.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Innovation Inspired by Nature?
A typical day during the program.
Course meetings
Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:20 a.m. Eastern Time; the final week ends Thursday.
Independent study
Plan at least two to three hours for homework, readings and project research.
Campus activities
Optional workshops, activities and events fit around class and independent work.
Residential check in
Check in face to face at 10 p.m. and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Innovation Inspired by Nature?
The course lists Megan Archer and Angelica Bazinet as instructors. Summer@Brown students can use instructor office hours to discuss course content and assignments.
Where do students stay on Innovation Inspired by Nature?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms include college furniture, wireless internet and air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Student life support: Resident assistants and trained staff provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
- Campus recreation: The fee includes fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities alongside program activities and excursions.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Attend the same in-person course and use campus study spaces without a residence hall assignment.
- Commuter meals and activities: One meal daily, campus activities and fitness facilities are included.
- Commuter public transit: A Brown ID provides free RIPTA transportation during the course.
Students are expected to manage their time independently and may explore Rhode Island outside mandatory commitments.
What happens after Innovation Inspired by Nature?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop a model and visual presentation of an environmental design solution.
Practice translating biological observations into design decisions.
Receive a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.
Receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.
Build experience managing independent reading and project research.
The course is non-credit and does not provide a Brown undergraduate admissions guarantee.
Where does Innovation Inspired by Nature take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island, with field trips to Roger Williams Park Zoo. Families arrange travel to and from campus; commuter students receive RIPTA access through their Brown ID.
Innovation Inspired by Nature FAQs
You will research an environmental issue and explore a solution inspired by biological patterns and strategies. Activities include observational sketching, model building, peer review and visual presentations.
A year of biology is recommended.
It is not laboratory-based. Field trips to Roger Williams Park Zoo provide opportunities to observe animals and nature firsthand.
The course requires readings and research outside class. Summer@Brown students are expected to complete at least two to three hours of homework daily.
Successful students receive a digital CeCertificate of Completion. As a two-week course, it also qualifies for an instructor-written Course Performance Report.
Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one campus meal each day, access to campus resources and activities, and fitness facilities. Commuter students do not receive campus housing.
Trained student life staff support students in residence halls, and staff are on call around the clock. Residential students must complete a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. each evening.
Brown Pre-College courses are non-credit. Brown also states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.
Alternatives to Innovation Inspired by Nature
Compare these options if your main interest is environmental science, engineering or another form of design.
Alternatives to Innovation Inspired by Nature
Ecology and environmental science study
Environmental Science
Deadline: Not announced
From $6298
14-18
Berkeley
In-person
Best for
Students prioritizing environmental science.
An engineering-focused academic program
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
13-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students wanting a broader engineering subject focus.
Online study focused on game design
Design
Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
13-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students interested in digital rather than environmental design.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Application Fee Waivers | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Scholarships | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- CeCertificate Access | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Field Work Attire
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- Innovation Inspired by Nature: A Biomimicry Challenge - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Official course description reviewed
Application dates compared
Matching fee tier checked
Age and grade requirements reviewed
Residential and commuter inclusions checked
Completion credentials reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
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