• fascinating to watch as they form on the computer screen • can be used to illustrate many concepts in the standard curriculum • are at the forefront of current research in geometry and modelling. Here then is mathematics which is useful, current, fun, aesthetically pleasing and motivating! We believe that fractals have a useful role alongside (or covering, like an umbrella) topics in the school curriculum in a motivating and inspirational role. We encourage teachers to ‘take the leap’ and explore on their own, or with a class. Discover the excitement of fractals! |
After mastering turtle graphics, a class may work on any section which relates to the topic being studied at the time, blending the fractals with the syllabus material. Alternatively, a chapter might be set for ‘further reading’. Note though that the material presented here is graded from ‘easy’ at the beginning to ‘more difficult’ at the end. Thus Section 11 involves simple transformations, and Sections 12 and 13 make use of complex numbers. Teachers will need to use discrimination in the way they use this material with different Grades.
However, the programs themselves are simple enough to be run without the user having a full understanding of the material being illustrated. Simple Logo programs are included here. Basic and Pascal versions, together with details for use with Mac and PC, are given in our book of the same name obtainable ($A20 + pp) from The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. To the best of our knowledge this site contains no material which has been copyrighted by any other author. In case of any unintentional breach of copyright, please contact the second author. Bill Beaumont Paul Scott (2002) |
