Teacher Resources: Explore the World of Glass
Our collection of free, downloadable teacher resource notes are the perfect companions for a self-led visit to Stourbridge Glass Museum, designed to enrich your pupils’ learning experience. These comprehensive guides connect the museum’s remarkable collections with key curriculum areas, including STEM subjects and history, as well as art and design, providing essential tools to support your classroom teaching before, during, and after your visit.
Whether exploring the properties and production of glass, delving into the local and social history of Stourbridge’s glass industry, or discovering the artistry of figures like Amalric Walter, these guides bring history, science, and creativity to life. Highlights include ancient Egyptian artefacts, the role of women in glassmaking, the vibrant world of Carnival glass, and much more. With activity sheets to complement the notes, students will be encouraged to reflect, experiment, and learn in engaging, hands-on ways, including exploring the importance of glass recycling and its impact on the environment.
Let these resources spark curiosity, foster creativity, and deepen your pupils’ understanding of the remarkable material of glass and its cultural significance throughout history.
What is Glass?
This comprehensive resource explores the fascinating properties and uses of glass. It covers the science behind glassmaking, including its raw materials and production process, and explains why glass is unique as an amorphous solid. Teachers can use this document to engage students with facts about glass recycling, its applications in daily life, and its historical evolution. The notes include fun facts, explanations of how glass interacts with light, and descriptions of different types of glass, such as heat resistant, recycled, and coloured glass. Perfect for bringing science and history lessons to life!
Stourbridge Glassmaking - Local History
Explore the history of glassmaking in Stourbridge. This guide delves into the origins of glass, the evolution of techniques like glassblowing and lead crystal production, and the role of canals in transporting materials. Rich in historical insights, the resource includes pre-visit, museum-based, and classroom activities across subjects like history, art, science, and geography. Perfect for engaging students with the local heritage of Stourbridge and its global impact on glassmaking.
Stourbridge Glassmaking – Social History
Discover the rich social history of Stourbridge’s glassmaking industry, including its dangers, child labour practices, and the role of institutions like the Stourbridge School of Art. Uncover fascinating stories about the community’s connection to glass, from local pubs to football teams, and the enduring legacy of its artisans.
Women in Glass - Social History
Explore the history and evolving roles of women in the glass industry, from restricted auxiliary roles in the 19th century to significant contributions during wartime and skilled design positions by the mid-20th century. Today, women excel across all aspects of glassmaking, from crafting unique studio art to teaching and curating. The document includes historical insights, engaging questions, and examples of contemporary women glassmakers, celebrating their innovation and artistry.
Ancient Civilisations - Horus
This resource focuses on ancient Egypt, highlighting the glass amulets used in funerary practices and the god Horus as a protector. Stourbridge Glass Museum displays an ancient glass Egyptian amulet, alongside other pieces from the era, offering students a unique opportunity to explore first-hand artefacts. The resource connects students with Egyptian culture through creative activities, scientific experiments, and history lessons, deepening their understanding of ancient civilisations and their lasting impact on the material world.
Animals & Nature / Art Nouveau Glass by Amalric Walter
This resource introduces Amalric Walter, a renowned French Art Nouveau glass artist who mastered the Pâte de Verre – glass paste – technique. It explores his life, work, and the materials and methods he used to create intricate glass sculptures, particularly of animals. The document provides engaging activities for students to learn about glassmaking, nature, and environmental awareness through art, science, and literacy.
Carnival Glass
This resource introduces Carnival glass, its history, and production methods, with a focus on its Stourbridge origins. Students explore the techniques behind its vibrant colours and iridescence, influenced by Art Nouveau and Tiffany glass. Activities include museum visits, drawing, writing, and design exercises, while integrating cross-curricular learning in science, art, history, and mathematics. This resource encourages creativity, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the art and science behind Carnival glass.
Activity Sheets
The Glass Activity Sheets complement the Teacher Resource Notes with engaging activities, including how glass is recycled, a recycling word search, and an exploration of what glass is made from. Students can learn about glassmaking tools through an illustrated word search, discover how glass changes states at different temperatures, and explore its everyday uses in art, technology, and daily life.