NewTechKids has been teaching lessons on the topic of biomimicry (how technology can mimic plants and animals) for years and we’ve seen how this topic enchants kids.
We’ve shown them videos of what happens when robots designed to look like animals are placed in animal colonies as well as videos of robotic buildings which can move or open and close based on the sun. We’ve shown them examples of robots developed to mimic the movements of different animals and explained how they are used to do things and go places that humans can’t.
This has led us to develop a biomimicry bootcamp of five, daily lessons which we are premiering during the Voorjaarsvakantie (February school vacation). From February 23-27, 2026, kids ages 8-12 are invited to join this bootcamp at the Amsterdam Public Library near Centraal Station.
Kids will see inspiring examples of biomimicry in action and discuss the topic before brainstorming, designing, building and coding a series of robots in pairs based on fun class challenges. Can they convert their favourite animal into a robot? Can they create robots which mimic the features, movement and sensing of plants and animals? The field of biotechnology is exploding and this bootcamp is an excellent way to inspire kids to take an interest in the combination of science, biology and technology.
Taught in a combination of Dutch and English by a professional instructor. Girls and boys welcome as are kids with little to no previous tech education exposure. Heavily-subsidized spots are available for kids from low-income families with a Stadspas. Register here.