CHAOS AT SCHOOL: CHUA'S CIRCUIT FOR STUDENTS IN JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

Chua's circuit is a nonlinear dynamic circuit that has assumed a paradigmatic role in mathematical, physical and experimental demonstrations of chaos. Yet even today, complexity and chaos are seen as challenging topics reserved for specialists. Is it possible for young people in junior and senior high school to acquire a difficult concept such as chaos? In order to study this issue, we developed a four-step teaching/learning method in which two groups of students (one from junior and one from senior high school) manually built Chua's circuit and used it as a source for extraordinary images and music. All this allowed students to interact with strange attractors, discovering their fascination and beauty. Both groups of students created 3-D models of attractors, modified the control parameters, explored the sound and music of chaos and, during the process, discovered the connection between science and art. Briefly, they learned through engaging activities, which allowed them to acquire physical and mathematical knowledge of chaos through various modalities. The results show that manipulation of the circuit and related artistic activities can provide a new, creative and enjoyable approach to science learning.