Nature or Naughty: Bringing "deflategate" to the High School Chemistry Classroom

Abstract

In this activity, students work in groups, delving into a real-life sports melodrama - "Deflategate". Using their knowledge of the behavior of gases, and data collected by an independent investigative team, students draw evidence-based conclusions to the question: "Could the underinflated footballs used by the New England Patriots have been caused by environmental conditions during the game?" As this engaging and thought-provoking activity unfolds, students employ many of the science practices outlined in the National Research Council's A Framework for K-12 Science Education.