Glass
Glass is a material made primarily from sand. To create glass, sand is mixed with soda ash and limestone and then heated at very high temperatures until it melts. Once melted, it can be shaped into various forms. As it cools, it solidifies and becomes the hard material we are familiar with.
While many associate glass with transparency, it can also be opaque or translucent, depending on how it’s made. Its ability to let varying degrees of light pass through makes it perfect for windows, allowing us to see outside while protecting us from the elements. It’s also very smooth and can be molded into sharp, precise shapes, which is why it’s used for items like lenses in glasses or cameras.
Glass can be strengthened in various ways to make it more resistant to breaking. For instance, tempered glass is processed to be tougher and, when it does break, it crumbles into smaller, less sharp pieces. This makes it safer for uses like car windows or shower enclosures.
Over centuries, people have also colored and textured glass for artistic purposes. Stained glass, which you might see in old churches, is a colorful way to play with light and create beautiful designs. Whether it’s holding a drink, letting us see the world in different shades, or showcasing art, glass plays a vital role in our daily lives.
Related Printables.
What Is Matter?
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/3-NGScience-states-of-matter_01.small_.jpg)
Comparing the Mass of Solids
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/3-NGScience-states-of-matter_02.small_.jpg)
Measuring the Volume of Liquids
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/3-NGScience-states-of-matter_03.small_.jpg)
States of Matter
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/3-NGScience-states-of-matter_04.small_.jpg)
The Changing States of Water
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/3-NGScience-states-of-matter_05.small_.jpg)
Review – States of Matter
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/3-NGScience-states-of-matter_06.small_.jpg)
Transparency of Materials
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/5-NGScience-Matter-and-Materials_01.small_.jpg)
Electrical Conductivity
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/5-NGScience-Matter-and-Materials_02.small_.jpg)
Strength, Hardness and Flexibility
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/5-NGScience-Matter-and-Materials_03.small_.jpg)
Design, Build and Improve a Boat
![](https://ngscience.com/wp-content/uploads/5-NGScience-Matter-and-Materials_04.small_.jpg)
Safe and Suitable Materials
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Design and Build a Tent
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