The world of fractals

Abstract

[EN] Fractals are fascinating geometric structures of nature which appear in more and more field of science, ranging from heartbeat characterization through, cancer research, stock exchange trends, meteorology, and computer graphics, up to digital image processing. Fractals can be created by simple algorithms that can be manifested with also simple computer programs. The necessary programs are available in the literature and they are easy to understand and manage for first-year undergraduate students too. Therefore fractals are suitable to attract student interest and improve their attitudes toward learning physics. Our main goal was that students work independently and gain experience on fractals with applying simple algorithm and making pictures of the weird formations of fractals. In this paper, a teaching material that is freely available on the internet is described. The material was originally intended for college students, but is suitable for anyone to become familiar with fractals.