01/01/2014

A Fractal in a Fractal | Education.com

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A Fractal in a Fractal
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Grade Level:
High School

Type:
Mathematics, Computer Science

Objective:
This experiment will explore whether fractals really repeat themselves infinitely.

Research Questions:
Are fractals really self-similar? How far must one zoom into a fractal to find an exact replica of the whole fractal?
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A Fractal in a Fractal | Education.com

Introduction:
Have you ever stared into a fractal and wondered how many times it really repeats itself? This mathematical concept of a geometric, self-similar object called a fractal has been around for centuries, but now computers can give us a view of these complicated math objects and show them to a near infinite scale.

Materials:
Computer Fractal software (available for free online) Printer Journal

Experimental Procedure:
1. Download a fractal-producing program and open up the Mandelbrot set fractal, a famous fractal. 2. To see the fractal extremely up close, set the maximum iterations very high, to about a few million. Record the level of magnification in your journal, and also note the area of the fractal you are exploring, such as upper-left quadrant. 3. Print the image out. 4. Next, find an even closer view of the fractal by zooming in on the computer. Use the printed image to hunt for an exact replica of the initial fractal. It might require zooming in and out several times. 5. If you can find a replica, print the image. 6. Zoom in once again, and find another replica of the fractal. Print any matches. 7. Go back to the original fractal, and attempt steps 4 to 7 again, working with a different area of the fractal. 8. Analyze your data. How long did it take you to find self-similarity? How much magnification did it take? Which areas on the fractal appear to be most self-similar? Concepts: fractals, iterated equations, self-similarity Disclaimer and Safety Precautions Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.coms website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.coms Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.coms liability. Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your states handbook of Science Safety. Print (http://www.education.com/print/fractal-in-a-fractal/) Pin It Email (javascript:void(0);) Twitter (http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?
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