Paper Clip Experiment: Properties and Failure

This lesson plan introduces students to the properties of metals using the example of a paper clip. A paper clip will fail after being bent many times, illustrating the concept of "fatigue." The fatigue properties of different materials will be compared and observed. The main goal of the lesson is to teach students to distinguish the effects of processing and manufacturing variations on materials properties. This activity would be appropriate for middle school to lower division college or technical school classes. Step by step instructions are included for the module procedures.