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Science of Glass
Grade Levels:
Sixth Grade
Concepts:
States of Matter
Physical and Chemical Change
History of Glass
Objectives:
Students will discover the states of matter and how materials, such as water (or glass) can change state,
how the atoms inside matter reactions and how the motion of matter affects glass.
Ohio’s New Learning Standards:
Grade Six
Grade Band Theme: Order and Organization
Strand Connections: All matter is made of small particles called atoms. The properties of matter are based
on the order and organization of atoms and molecules. Cells, minerals, rocks and soil are all examples of
matter.
Earth and Space Science
Topic: Rocks, Minerals and Soil
Content Statement: Minerals have specific, quantifiable properties.
Content Statement: Rocks, minerals and soils have common and practical uses.
Physical Science
Topic: Matter and Motion
Content Statement: All matter is made up of small particles called atoms.
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Content Statement: Changes of state are explained by a model of matter composed of atoms and/or
molecules that are in motion.
Classroom Connections:
Either before of after your visit The Works recommends that you investigate these words, phrases,
cultures and locations in your classroom.
Matter
Vaporization
Egypt
Freezing
Mass Production
Mass
Condensation
Solid
Super Cooled Liquid
Gas
Fulgurites
Atoms
Liquid
Obsidian
Melting
Roman Empire
Silica
Prohibition
Mesopotamia
Literacy Links:
Branse, J. L.. A day in the life of a colonial glassblower. New York: Powerkids Press, 2002. Print.
Cobb, Benjamin, and Susan Linn. Kids Design Glass. Tacoma: Museum of Glass, 2009. Print.
Glassigator. Toledo, Ohio: Toledo Museum Of Art, 2007. Print.
Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner, and Paul Meisel. What is the world made of?: all about solids, liquids, and
gases. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1998. Print.
Extensions at The Works:
Glassblowing Studio
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Visit the glassblowing studio to see glass in a whole new way.
2nd Floor History Exhibits
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Discover the history behind glass as an industry and why it was important to the development of
Licking County.
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Additional Resources:
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/science-projects-for-kids-states-of-matter.htm
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/statematerials.html
http://science.k12flash.com/statesofmatter.html
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Science of Glass Pre Visit Activities
Exploring States of Matter
Objective:
Students will learn the states of matter through hands-on exploration and how materials can change
when combined.
Materials:
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20oz Bottle
Funnels
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Procedure:
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6.
7.
Teach students to identify each state of matter (solid, liquid and gas).
Measure out 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
Using the funnel place 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the balloon.
Measure out ¼ cup of vinegar.
Add ¼ cup of vinegar to the 20oz bottle.
Carefully place neck of balloon over the neck of the bottle.
While holding onto the neck of the bottle lift the balloon upright allowing the baking powder to
combine with the vinegar.
8. Have students make observations about what happened and discuss what changed.
What Happened?
Students will see all three states of matter and be able to identify when a chemical change has occurred.
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Rule Breakers
Objective:
Students will learn the states that not all materials behave the way we expect and discuss why those
differences occur.
Materials:
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Large Container
Rubber Mallet
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Cornstarch
Water
Procedure:
1.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
Teach students about how each type of matter behaves.
Add two parts cornstarch and one part water to the large container.
Mix cornstarch together in a liquid, called oobleck.
Gently move the container to show students that oobleck is indeed a liquid and can move and flow.
Pick up the rubber mallet and ask students what will happen if you hit the oobleck with the mallet.
Hit the oobleck with the hammer.
What Happened?
Students will see that though oobleck, a nonnewtonian fluid, appears to be a liquid it does not react like a
liquid when struck. Some materials don’t follow the rules. When treated roughly oobleck acts like a
solid but when treated gently it acts like a solid.
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Science of Glass Post Visit Activities
Edible Glass
Objective:
Students will discover the states of matter and the process through which glass is melted and turned into
works of art.
Materials:
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Saucepan
Hot Plate
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Pie Pan
Brush
Water
Light Corn Syrup
Sugar
Cooking Oil
Procedure:
1.
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3.
4.
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6.
7.
8.
In a saucepan, bring ½ cup of water to a boil.
Add 1 cup sugar and 4 teaspoons of corn syrup.
Return to boil.
Cover and boil over medium high heat for 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, brush a pie pan with cooking oil.
After 8 minutes remove the saucepan from heat and pour contents into pie pan.
Refrigerate until hardened.
After refrigeration, pop the sugar glass out of the pie pan.
What Happened?
Students will see that sugar, like glass, can be changed from a solid to a liquid when heat is applied, can be
shaped in it’s liquid form and then frozen back into a solid state by placing in a cool environment.
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