Alloy the Way to Mars

Each group needs:

• 1 alloy sample; a different sample for each group; see the Class Data Table (PDF) for seven alloy suggestions and see Figure 1 for an example size, although sizes and types may vary; alloy material is available at https://www.onlinemetals.com/, including custom sizes;
• digital calipers; if limited supplies, okay to share among groups
• electronic balance; if limited supplies, okay to share among groups
• RS-25 Article (PDF), one per student
• Analysis of RS-25 Article Pre-Assessment (PDF), one per student
• Density and Specific Strength Student Handout (PDF), one per group
• Final Recommendations Post-Assessment (PDF), one per student or per group, depending on whether you want students to do the post-assessment individually or together

 Figure 1. Samples of five alloys.CopyrightCopyright 2015 Janelle Orange, RET Program, College of Engineering, Michigan State University

To share with the entire class:

• metal Slinky^® (a flexible, helical spring toy), for a class demonstration
• (optional) computer or overhead projector, to display the class data table