This is an intriguing project. I would have liked to have learned more details about how you engage the students with the ideas of fractals and how they impact their work as architects and engineers. Also, can you explain how you test that students comprehension of mathematical algorithms is improved by your program?

Many of our students are involved in research projects and for us fractals and architectural forms were enticing to them. We have been beta-testing this project for curriculum modules that are being launched shortly.  We found that students were drawn to the beauty of fractals and this made it easy for us to relate the work to their interests. We pointed out applications of fractal geometry in computer graphics, biological sciences and astrophysics to name a few which garnered student interest. The architecture students were driven by the shapes and forms and related it to their work while the engineering students were interested in optimization. We grouped architecture and engineering students together and an interesting dynamic occurred in that the architects took the lead in the shapes while the engineers were driven to code, but eventually the lines were blurred with all students working towards the success of their project. Students were given the opportunity to print their fractals in 3D and test their predictions. We saw their code became more precise, programs were more adaptable and the run time decreased when generating 3D objects.  We felt this is due in part to their increased comprehension of algorithms.

 

Intriguing.  I wonder too how projects could be incoporated into other undergrad math courses?

Love the images and I think you might incorporate in maker spaces?

You might find these resources helpful

 

    Search Results Web results [PDF] A Research Agenda for Academic Makerspaces - EECS at UC Berkeley
https://people.eecs.berkeley.edu/~bjoern/papers...   by B Hartmann - ‎Related articles A key characteristic of academic makerspaces that distin- guishes them from .... The number of undergraduate makerspace students who were involved in the ... Making Makerspaces – MIT Project Manus
https://project-manus.mit.edu/making-makerspaces     We'll also cover fundamental principles of successful makerspaces: ... He is cofounder/organizer of one of the largest undergraduate invention competitions in ...   [PDF] A Review of University Maker Spaces - SMARTech - Georgia Tech
https://smartech.gatech.edu/.../1853/.../a_revi...?...     by T Barrett - ‎2015 - ‎Cited by 66 - ‎Related articles the skills that are currently being underdeveloped. Maker spaces go beyond the traditional machine shop environment familiar to the undergraduate curriculum ...

Interesting project!

Along the lines of incorporating this into different learning environments, have you thought about "scalability" of this, and what type of professional development would you need for facilitators?  Also, what level of programming do beginners need in order to take full advantage of this program?  While architecture and engineering students seemed to fall into their niches, did you find that students overall gained a greater understanding and comfort with coding?

I learned something new today, thank you!  The Shepard Tone is fascinating, of course so is 3D printing of fractals.  I'll be back to digest more of your video.  Intriguing work!

Very informative and interesting video. Fractal is a such fascinating topic. As a student, I would like to learn more about it.

Wow. Fractals are awesome! Connecting our work/learning to history and the natural world is always engaging and inspiring. What a great motivator for students (both formal and informal) in these fields!

Have always LOVED fractals! What a great way to draw students in who probably (oh dear!) grew up watching ice crack in Frozen and would be intrigued to learn the mathematics behind the patterns that might have mesmerized them.

Have always LOVED fractals! What a great way to draw students in who probably (oh dear!) grew up watching ice crack in Frozen and would be intrigued to learn the mathematics behind the patterns that might have mesmerized them.

What a great project!  I love the idea of exploring fractals from many perspectives - theory, computation, and physical objects.  Also, I want to play with some of these 3d prints!

What a great project!  I love the idea of exploring fractals from many perspectives - theory, computation, and physical objects.  Also, I want to play with some of these 3d prints!

Interesting project. Too often we fall into the narrow confines of an academic specialty; we forget that it is the ideas and quest for understanding that motivates. This multi disciplinary approach brings out the beauty of fractals, and inspires us to learn more.

Interesting project. Too often we fall into the narrow confines of an academic specialty; we forget that it is the ideas and quest for understanding that motivates. This multi disciplinary approach brings out the beauty of fractals, and inspires us to learn more.

The connections with natural formations is intriguing and seems like a fantastic way to get students interested and aware that math is all around them.

Not exactly fractals but some of you might be interested in this:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/17/science/math-physics-knitting-matsumoto.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

The connections with natural formations is intriguing and seems like a fantastic way to get students interested and aware that math is all around them.

Not exactly fractals but some of you might be interested in this:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/17/science/math-physics-knitting-matsumoto.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share