Bringing Back Glass

Animals, Biodiversity & Habitats, Energy, Evolution & Inheritance, Light, Plants, Properties & Uses of Materials, Rocks, Fossils and Soils, Sound, States of Matter

Outdoor Learning, Practical Science, Science Enquiry, Scientific Literacy, STEM

3-5, 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

A set of activities to help children explore the importance of glass in everyday lives, for scientific experimentation, problem-solving and in technology.

Celebrating the United Nations International Year of Glass 2022, by ‘bringing back glass into the primary classroom’, the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) is delighted to be working with The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London to share this resource with primary science educators.

In the Activity Booklet will find 15 activities designed to support delivery of engaging science lessons that enable Early Years and primary school children (from 3-11 years) to explore the properties, uses and benefits of glass and to engage in meaningful and relevant investigative science. Using easy to source materials, many activities are also suited to use in themed science days, science weeks, or for science or STEM club activities.

All the activities have been written by PSTT College Fellows.

Guidance & curricula links

Information for teachers using this resource

Download the Activity Booklet to see all fifteen activities.

Possible learning outcomes for each activity have been linked to the UK primary curricula so that educators can see where an activity might fit into their planning. Download UK Curricula Links.

Some common misconceptions that may become apparent when undertaking activities suggested in the resource are outlined. Download Common Misconceptions and Background Science.