Virtual Get-together via VideoconferencingTopic: A Fractal is A Pattern in Your NeighborhoodThursday, November 8, 2001
In recent years, the development of fractal geometry and the study of chaotic structures has gained widespread attention. The study of these "new" geometries has influenced recent work in almost all areas of intellectual endeavor (e.g., mathematics, physics, film, art, systems analysis, management, meteorology, and biology) and the patterns of scaling geometries have been found in the hair-weaving practices, architecture, and artwork of several African and Southern Indian cultures. However, there has been little attention given to teaching the basic concepts of fractal geometry to secondary students, and providing those students with the tools required for hands-on exploration of these geometries. To address this issue, with funding from a NASA-CAPE grant, a professional development project was created centered around an online fractal Web site (http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~bachcn/Fractals). During the video conference, we will explore the fractal site and discuss the challenges and successes of the project. About the Presenter: Dr. Craig N. Bach, Assistant Professor for Distance Learning in the Drexel University School of Education, is a Philosopher and Logician. Dr. Bach received his doctorate from the Group in Logic and Methodology of Science at U. C. Berkeley. Previously, he worked as an Instructional Designer for Futurekids: writing, teaching, testing, implementing and evaluating technology-based curricula for K-12 students and educators from over 60 countries. In his current position, he has helped teachers develop skills in integrating electronic communication and Web-based educational materials into their instructional delivery. To schedule your campus for this event, please contact your campus CAPE Operations Committee Representative who can Register Online for your site to participate. CAPE contact person: Thya Riley at rileyt@acape.org. |