Activity Overview
After an elementary school playground collapses into a sinkhole, Charlie and Larry suspect the sinkhole was caused by underwater ground flow. Underwater ground flow can be modeled using a seepage (percolation) model of water through the ground. This activity employs one way to create a visual model of this process, using a cellular automata model.
Students will use a simple iterative process to create extremely complex results.
Before the Activity
Download the attached PDF and look over the Teacher Page.
During the Activity
Discuss the materials from the Student Page with your class.
After the Activity
Encourage students to explore web sites and questions from the Extensions Page.