Great Glass Share

Two guided enquires supporting teachers to inspire young people to ask, investigate and share scientific questions. Designed in response to the 2023 theme, Science Around Us , the Great Glass Share, has been developed from partnership with the Primary Science Teaching Trust and Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.

Each enquiry provides teachers notes, teaching slides and links to GSSfS resources guiding pupils to work scientifically.

Ages: 5-7, 7-11 years

Curriculum topics: everyday materials, states of matter

For more glass-themed science activities access PSTT’s: Bringing back glass into the primary science classroom

How could we prevent polar ice from melting?

Working scientifically: carrying out a simple test to make observations over time

This guided enquiry engages pupils in exploring a possible solution to the melting of the polar ice caps. Drawing on knowledge of polar habitats and the dangers for animals living there, they make observations over time to explore the effect of glass on the melt solids.

Support pupils’ enquiry skills with Great Science Skills Starters for 5-7 year-olds.

Teacher notes

TEACHING slide DECK

Are double glazed windows more effective than single?

Working scientifically: planning and gathering evidence using comparative tests

This guided enquiry engages pupils in gathering data in a comparative test to analyse the thermal properties of a single layer of glass in comparison to double layer. A great way to develop skills in measuring and drawing conclusions from data to answer scientific questions. The use of glass for the future is explored by considering how it supports energy saving for a sustainable world.

Support pupils’ enquiry skills with Great Science Skills Starters for 7-11 year-olds.

Teacher notes

TEACHING slide DECK

Extend with Explorify…

Explorify have provided a range of activities linked to the Great Glass Share to inspire pupils to ask and investigate their own scientific questions, whilst encouraging and developing good speaking and listening skills. PLUS find more activities from Explorify, for your age range, in Great Science Ideas.

Extend with Explorify here

Context

These two guided enquiries have been inspired by the Primary Science Teaching Trust's Bringing back glass into the primary science classroom resource. Developed in celebration of the International Year of Glass, supported by the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.