Subject Area: Algebra II

Grade Level: 10 - 12

National Mathematics Standards:

• Construct and draw inferences from charts, tables, and graphs that summarize data from real-world situations.
• Use curve fitting to predict data.
• Make and test conjectures.

National Technology Standards:

• 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.  

Objective:

After reading the explanation given below, use FoilSim and a graphing calculator to complete the activity to determine the relationship between airspeed and lift of an object by interpreting data.

FoilSim is an interactive simulation software package that examines the airflow around various shapes of airfoils. As you change parameters such as airspeed, altitude, angle of attack, thickness and curvature of the airfoil, and size of the wing area, the software calculates the lift. The package was created at the NASA Glenn Research Center.

FoilSim II is a Java applet program that executes inside the browser of your computer. It is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/foil2.html. You can also download the program to run off-line.

Shown below is a screen shot from the program's controls and displays. You may change the values of the variables by using the slider or the input box on the left of the slider.

To use the slider:

1. Click the mouse pointer on the arrows at the ends of the slider.
2. Click the mouse pointer anywhere between the slider and the arrow.
3. Drag the slider with the mouse.

To use the input box:

Simply select the value in the input box, key in the new value, and press Enter or Tab when finished. The button on the slider will move corresponding to the value typed in the box.

To begin the problem, click on Lift vs. Airspeed.

Assessment:

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

Evaluation:

You will be able to use FoilSim and a graphing calculator to complete the activity to find and analyze the regression equation for the relationship between the Airspeed and Lift of an object.

Submitted by: Dalette Dawson, Brunswick High School, Brunswick, Ohio.