Air Pressure Curriculum

Section 2—Lesson 4: Considering How Well Models Depict Air Pressure as Omnidirectional

Understanding Goals

This lesson asks students to consider some different models of air pressure. By contrasting models that depict air pressure using arrows versus dots, students consider which model better illustrates the omnidirectional, passive nature of air pressure.

Subject Matter

• Arrows are often used to depict air pressure in illustrations and models.
• Force and pressure are two related, yet distinct concepts. People tend to confuse the two. Models that use arrows can fuel this confusion.
• We can choose to use other models and/or to be aware of how models with arrows can reinforce confusion between force and pressure.

Causality

• If a passive causal agent is perceived as "active," it is more likely to be recognized.
• Being unaware of non-obvious or passive causes limits the scope of variables one considers when generating explanations for given events.