Students
create a picture on the graphing calculator screen using coordinate
points in a list. They transform the picture by revising the
lists. In the second activity, students predict coordinates
for specified transformations. A third calculator transformation
activity, Bridget Blockhead, is also included—this could
be used as assessment.
Students
examine the rotation and translation of right triangles created
by drawing in Microsoft word. They create an isosceles-right
triangle, rotate and translate it to create a variation of
the Sierpinski gasket triangle. The shrink the triangle and
repeat the translation process to create the next fractal
stage. This process continues to building an ever increasingly
complex fractal. In the second part of the activity, students
analyze different possible fractal patterns created by rotating
the original triangle.
Students
build fractals and track the growth of fractal measurements
using tables and equations. Concepts of similarity and area
are explored. Also included is research activity involving
a presentation on fractals and their history. This research
presentation could be used as an introduction to fractals.
The Chaos game is also included.
