Students in Mr. Schaefer’s calculus class actually understand the answer to that question. Even the most leery math students know how math fits into their daily lives. They understand clearly that mathematicians use different tools to seek the same answers as theologians, historians and philosophers. Using pencil, paper and scissors to learn about fractals (Koch Snowflake, Sierpinski’s Gasket, Pascal’s Triangle, Chaos Game), Mr. Schaefer’s students have confirmed, hands-on, what mathematicians through the centuries have discovered – that although fractals (self-similar geometric shapes) may be defined in complex equations, they can be seen all around us, every day – in the clouds, trees, coastlines, and river networks.  Cool!