How to Run the Chaos Activity?

How do I run this applet?

This Java applet requires a Java-capable browser. If you do not see the applet, Java may not be functional in your browser or on your machine.

Object of the activity

This activity allows the user to play the chaos game. This game allows the user to experiment with probability by varying the number of vertices, so he/she may learn how an apperently random process can result in a not-so-random geometric fractal.

Controls and Output

  • The Drawing Area at the top of the applet is where dots are plotted:

    You can move the vertices, which appear as larger dots, by clicking and draging them with the mouse.

  • Initially, no dots are plotted in the drawing area. To plot dots, first click on the drop-down boxand select the number of dots you want to add. Then, click the Add button.

  • The Clear button clears all the dots that have been drawn so far.

  • You can also change the probability that the game will move towards a certain vertex. The higher the number you type for a color, the more likely the game is to choose that color. In the example below, red and yellow both have a probability of 1.0.

  • The Number of Vertices also affects how the dots are plotted. You can choose the number of vertices by clicking the One More or One Less buttons. You can also select the number of vertices directly from the drop-down box located between those two buttons.

  • This version of the Chaos Game is somewhat limited. You can play an Advanced Version by clicking the Go to full version button.




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