Activity Overview
With the included programs students can design paths and have the calculator increase the complexity of the path to simulate the generation of a fractal.
Before the Activity
Students can be presented with examples of fractals, such as Koch's Snowflake or Sierpinski's Triangle before the activity begins and the idea of self-similarity can be examined by looking at how they are formed.
During the Activity
Once you begin the activity, students will each need a copy of the two attached programs, TURTLE and EXTEND. The included .doc file is a good resource for you to use to familiarize yourself with these before you begin.
If the students choose the scale of each successive path well, they can save a series of pictures each showing increased complexity similar to the series in the .doc file.
After the Activity
Review student answers:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary