How does altitude relate to density?

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Subject Area: Physical Science

Grade Level: 9-12

National Science Standards:

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to create and use models.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to perform scientific inquiry.
• Apply an understanding of science and technology.
• Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the properties of matter.

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:

By using FoilSim computer simulation software, you will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of matter by applying them to density, pressure, and temperature.

Estimated Duration: 2 days

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.

Use the simulation to gather information for the Density Problems and to check your answers. To begin the problems, click on Density Activity.

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

Evaluation:

You will demonstrate the ability to use FoilSim to accumulate data and compare properties of matter, density, pressure, and temperature.

Submitted by: James P. Rinella, Big Walnut High School, Sunbury, Ohio