Interactive software will allow students to simulate fractal African patterns in African art
and architecture, learn the binary code through African divination, and participate in other
culturally grounded math activities.
Brief Description of System Functionality:
A custom-made version of the "FractaSketch" software (see Doug Schuler for sample),
one that can use circles and rectangles (not just straight lines) as seed shapes.
A program to measure the fractal dimension of any image (using the box-counting
method).
A 2-D virtual protractor that lets kids measure angles in on-screen images
A virtual Owari board that allows you to explore 1-D self-replicating patterns
A program to allow students to draw 2-d and 3-d logarithmic spirals, with numeric
control over all parameters
A framework that can take all of these modules and have them plug into one system, such
that we can show the target pattern (an African image) on part of the screen and the
simulation program on the other part of the screen (and be able to plug in new modules or
replace old ones later on).
Hardware and Software Platform:
PC-windows preferred
Minimum System:
Potential -- Skills/Learning/Job:
Follow-On Projects:
3-D version of fractasketch.
Non-numeric, mouse-controlled option on the log spirals for younger students as well.
Cellular automaton lab that allows you to explore 2-D self-replicating patterns
3-D virtual protractor -- (I even have a video scan for some 3-D African artifacts!)
Simulation of the log-scaling windscreen (see Doug Schuler for sample), such that
students can see how the African design is a cost-benefit maximum.
Simulated user-configured digital circuit that can be configured to give the Bamana
divination code as output.
Numeric-controlled space distortion program that allows students to do conformal
mapping (e.g. from the plane to a sphere) to simulate certain African scaling designs.
Other Pertinent Information( user interface, etc.):
Educators around the country (not to mention my colleagues in Africa) have been
requesting this material; it is an important contribution.
