Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hey Science Buddies Expert,

I am Vikas Agartha, a freshmen in highschool. I want to do a project in Math/ Computers. I was researching on the web, became slightly interested in fractals. I want to know if this is something I can go forward in for my level. I am currently in Algebra 2 Trig Honors, I am also pretty good with computers. Can I do something in Fractals, also what applications are there in this topic? And if yes, what should I narrow down towards, what kind of project should I look for?

Thanks,

Vikas Agartha

Hi Vikas!
Fractals is definitely an exciting topic to research. There are some concepts which may be above your level, such as the Sierpinski triangle and the Cantor sets, but hopefully reading up on the topic will help you understand. Check out these websites-
http://www.fractalus.com/info/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal
There are many applications of fractals in art and nature, choose what interests you the most. You might be interested in the computer design aspect of fractal applications since you like to work with computers. Best of luck!

Hi vikasagartha,

I agree with staryl13 that fractals are definitely an exciting topic to research.

Some other web research can be found by providing "fractals" to answers.com. At the beginning, answers gives the output of 5 encyclopedias, 3 dictionaries and Wikipedia. Hopefully, this output will help in your project selection. If not, please post again here.

Hi vikasagartha,

Another thought:

http://www.fractalartcontests.com/2006/winners.php

has award winning fractals. If you have access to a good color printer, you may want to print one or more of these fractals to decorate your final display project poster.