The Baseball and Air

Subject Area: Algebra I

Grade Level: 8 - 10

National Mathematics Standards:

• Represent and analyze relationships using tables, verbal rules, equations, and graphs.
• Make and test conjectures.
• Express mathematical ideas orally and in writing. 

Objectives:

After reading the explanation given below, use FoilSim to complete the activity to determine how the speed of airstreams changes in relation to changes in the distance of the airstream from the center of the baseball.

FoilSim is an interactive simulation software package that determines the airflow around various shapes of airfoils. As you change the parameters of 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 NASA Glenn Research Center to illustrate an example of their research.

Macintosh or MS-Windows 3.x, 95, or NT versions of FoilSim are available for downloading off the World Wide Web at FoilSim Download.

Shown below is a screen shot from the program showing the 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 The Baseball and Air.

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 to complete the activity to determine the relationship between the airstreams and their distance from the center of the baseball by completing a chart and graphing and interpreting the results.

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