Game of Life

A common pattern is nature is that the simplest of situations can have the most complex and intriguing interactions.  This can be a fertile ground for creative thinking.  The simplicity often leads to a great deal of freedom that we can take advantage of.  Our creativity takes over and it is up to us to craft a scenario that does interesting things.  This weeks challenge involves creating a scenario and then watching how it evolves into something that is so much more.

Your challenge this week is to build a set of different patterns on the game of life grid (see link below) as follows:

• 2 different still life patterns
• 2 different oscillators
• 1 glider (also known as spaceships)

As a bonus challenge,  see if you can create a Gun (ie a pattern that persists and creates gliders).

You can find an explanation of the Game of Life and each of the patterns described above here.

It will be easiest to experiment with your patterns with this on-line game of life simulator.

On the first link you will find examples of different patterns to give you some ideas on how this works.  Put them into the simulator and observe the result.  Then experiment with a few patterns of your own.  You'll soon see that you can create some very funky patterns and behaviors. 

The rules are very simple but the possibilities are endless.  Have fun and be creative.

I sense creativity in you.  Use it to it's fullest.