  While students may find spline interpolation quite digestible, based on their
familiarity with continuity of a function and its derivatives, some of its
inherent value may be missed when students only see it applied to standard data
interpolation exercises. In this paper, we offer alternatives where students
can qualitatively and quantitatively witness the resulting dynamical
differences when objects are driven through a fluid using different spline
interpolation methods. They say, seeing is believing; here we showcase the
differences between linear and cubic spline interpolation using examples from
fluid pumping and aquatic locomotion. Moreover, students can define their own
interpolation functions and visualize the dynamics that unfold. To solve the
fluid-structure interaction system, the open-source fluid dynamics software
IB2d is used. In that vein, all simulation codes, analysis scripts, and movies
are provided for streamlined use.
