1. Start out by reading this article describing how the computer animations were accomplished in Lord Of the Rings. Find another example on the web of a bunch of relatively simple agents (governed by a set of rules) giving rise to complex behavior through their interactions. Alternatively, find a complex systems explanation of a natural system that we haven't mentioned in class. For example, flocking behavior in birds can be understood as arising from each bird following some simple rules. Turn in the URL pointing to your example accompanied by a few sentences describing how your example meets the above criteria.
2. Read this entry on the game of life. Follow this URL. Try to build some intuitions about the game of life. Identify three basic patterns of behavior you see emerging from a variety of initial start conditions. In a three to five page double spaced report, describe the variety of patterns you observe and how they evolve toward their final state. What intuitions do you have for how the rules governing the game of life create these patterns? Include screen shots (not included in the page limit) to illustrate your points.