The Day I Met Fractal
By Lindsey Murphy
I contemplated running a thermometer under hot water and telling Mom I was sick. As I walked to the bathroom however, I remembered we were getting a new student today.
My teacher didn't exactly tell the class we were getting a new student. She said we were going to be meeting Fractal and being the sleuth that I am I knew precisely what she meant.
We were getting a new student and my teacher wanted it to be a surprise, but where is the fun in that! I had to go to school today to meet Fractal and welcome him to Chadbury Elementary home of the Wildcats.
I leaped off the bus and walked quickly to the classroom. I looked around at my usual classmates but could not find a new face in the crowd.
"Mrs. Gerber where's the new kid? I wanted to show him around the school. You think his locker can be next to mine?" I asked my teacher as I gasped trying to catch my breath.
"New kid?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face. "Oh, you must mean our new friend Fractal. Don't worry, we'll get to that."
I sat patiently during our morning work and began to feel antsy during Language Arts. When would Fractal get here I wondered. I had almost given up hope when my teacher told us Fractal would be arriving after recess during our Mathematics lesson.
The prospect of meeting Fractal was too much for me to bear . I sat outside underneath a tree during recess contemplating what I would say. Should I shake his hand? After all, he must be an important man to be coming into our classroom. Mrs. Gerber wouldn't invite just anybody in.
I walked into the classroom and took my seat.
"Everyone, meet Fractal" Mrs. Gerber proclaimed as she projected a picture onto the screen in front of the classroom.
I was astonished after the revealing of fractal. Mrs. Gerber explained that fractals are formed from repeating mathematic equations . Many people create fractals using computer programs.
There are also many types of fractals found in nature. Mrs. Gerber showed us a picture of the Romanesco Cauliflower. A type of cauliflower that grows in a pattern of fractals. She says it tastes just like broccoli. Yuck!
Mrs. Gerber showed us many pictures of fractals in the real world. I bet I see a fractal every day! I was most surprised to learn that a rose is a type of fractal.
Although I didn't meet a new friend today, I think I found my new hobby. A fractal finder!
Credits
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