For the second year in a row, Saint Peter Middle School eighth graders in Angela Schilling’s physical science class participated in an extensive unit on chemistry where she incorporates each step of the stained glass process to teach different standards. Those standards include:
Glass making – We learn how the use of high heat energizes the electrons in metal atoms which forces them to different energy levels. They then release energy in the form of colored light (specific for the metal) to return them to their correct energy level. This concept can be applied to stain the glass while in the molten state.
Cutting - Here is where we focus on physical changes. Students use glass cutters to score and break the colored glass into the shapes needed to fill our pattern.
Grinding - To get all of the pieces to fit together, students used the electric glass grinders to smooth out the edges and to help the pieces fit better together.
Foiling - Before we can solder the pieces of glass together, we create a surface on each piece of the glass for the solder to bond to. Using a copper foil tape, we add that to the outer edge of every piece.
Soldering - This step acts as the “glue” that holds our whole project together. Using flux to help the solder flow and bond to the copper foil, the students used a soldering iron and 60/40 solder (lead and tin). The iron heats the metal solder between 700-900*F turning it from solid to liquid (a physical change) while it reacts with the flux to form a chemical change.
Patina - Our final step is to turn the solder to a different color using patina. Although black is the most popular, patina comes in other colors such as copper, blue, and green. Patina reacts with the lead and tin and causes a permanent color change. This step is optional but many artists feel it gives their work a finished look.
“This project ends up being more of a collaborative project with me as I choose to design the pattern each class uses,” Schilling said. “Each design is based off of the constellation that was chosen at the beginning of the school year by the eighth graders to represent their class hour. Since I drew the patterns custom for each group, students have had a stronger sense of ownership and pride with the project.
“Most students would say their favorite part of the process is grinding or soldering and their least favorite step is the cutting of the glass. Overall, the 8th graders used their chemistry knowledge while participating in a real world application. Many 8th graders have chosen to continue the art by coming in at Saints Time to make their own piece using the scrap glass that we accumulated during this project.”
The finished works are on display in the Saint Peter Middle School’s main office where they will be the remainder of the school year. Then, they will get moved to Schilling’s classroom as a decoration and to create a lasting timeline of her eighth grade classes. Families are encouraged to stop in and view the pieces as photos just don’t do the glass justice.
Above and below are photos from the stained glass classroom activity in Mrs. Schilling's class.
