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It’s the most mathy day of the year! Not only is it Pi Day but it is also the Annual Fractal Fair on Tuesday, March 14 from 6:30-8:00 PM in the WHS Library. And yeah, if you think the date matching is coincidental, I surmise you know no mathy people and their eternally bad jokes. No offense, Mr. McLaughlin.

Now if you are sitting there thinking WTH is a fractal, you are not alone. I am sitting right next to you. Here, from the Fractal Foundation (why do things like this exist? Hmmm), is the definition: “A fractal is a never-ending pattern. Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. They are created by repeating a simple process over and over in an ongoing feedback loop. Driven by recursion, fractals are images of dynamic systems – the pictures of Chaos.” And also this:  “Fractal patterns are extremely familiar since nature is full of fractals. For instance: trees, rivers, coastlines, mountains, clouds, seashells, hurricanes, etc.”

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The Fractal Fair is hosted by the WHS Math department but run by all the Honors Precalculus students at Weston. There will be 28 groups in total presenting their projects on a wide range of topics related to fractals. The fair will be not only appropriate for all kids elementary aged and up, but also (and trust me I do not say this lightly) FUN so bring your other children, invite extended family members, and everyone you know who might be curious to learn more about fractals, math, and our world.

Please mark your calendars and set aside the night for a time of exploration, learning, and innovation.

Also, go ‘cats!

Images credit: Fractal Foundation