Getting a Little "Lift"out of Calculus

A FoilSim Activity - Part I

Subject Area:

Pre-calculus and Calculus

 

Grade Level:

11-12

 

National Mathematics
Standards:

 

 

 

 

National Technology Standards:
  • Apply integrated mathematical problem-solving strategies to solve problems from within and outside mathematics.
  • Read written presentations of mathematics with understanding.
  • Judge the validity of arguments.
  • Recognize the equivalent representation of the same concept.
  • Use tables and graphs as tools to interpret expressions, equations, and inequalities.
  • Model real-world phenomena with a variety of functions.
  • Understand the conceptual foundations of limit, the area under a curve, the rate of change, and the slope of a tangent line, and their applications in other disciplines.

 

  • Technology research tools: Use content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research; select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.

 

Objectives:

 

After entering the given conditions into FoilSim, apply calculus techniques to verify predictions.

Accurately apply scaling to a problem-solving situation.

 

Assessment:

 

You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the accuracy or feasibility of your answers.

Evaluation:

 

Using basic integration techniques, verify the total lift of an airfoil as calculated by FoilSim for a given set of conditions.

Submitted by:

 

Jim Zaborowski, Physics and Mathematics, Urbana High School, Urbana, Ohio

Note:

If printing from a Macintosh system, it is suggested that you access the page setup menu and adjust print size to 75%.

TO Calculus Intro Page and Other Links

 


Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov