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GLASS FUSION


GLASS FUSION

RECOMMENDED GRADE LEVEL 9-12
ACADEMICS MATH, SCIENCE, FINE ARTS
TEKS ADDRESSED Art: 4A, 2A, 1B, 2C. Interdiciplinary Science connections include expanding and contracting, compatibility. Math connections include timing and measurement.
DESCRIPTION Glass fusion class for high school students. Each week students are able to make another piece of jewelry: bracelets, necklaces, pins, earrings, etc.

Class 1:
Objective: To have a clear understanding of safety and key terms.
Activity: Create rules and safety tips for each other. Include students as much in this process to emphasize the reality of being injured if not careful. Review and provide a list of terms for students (terms list below).

Class 2:
Objective: To understand how to cut and stack your glass pieces.
Activity: Students will create a pin or pendant by cutting and stacking glass. Glue pieces and fire in the kiln.

Class 3:
Objective: To understand and create a piece that is full fused.
Activity: Students will create a pin or pendant by cutting and stacking glass while keeping in mind that when fired it will be full fused. Glue pieces and fire in the kiln.

Class 4:
Objective: To understand and create a piece that is half fused.
Activity: Students will create a pin or pendant by cutting and stacking glass while keeping in mind that when fired it will be half fused. Glue pieces and fire in the kiln.

Class 5:
Objective: To understand and create a slump piece.
Activity: Students will create a piece large enough to cover slumping mold by cutting and stacking glass. Glue pieces and fire in the kiln to fuse (half or full flat). Then fire again on slumping mold (follow instructions based on your kiln).

TIME REQUIRED 1 hour per day, 1 day per week
MATERIALS Kiln, glass cutters, glass pliers, glue, jewelry glue, pinbacks, bails, kiln paper, frit, stringers, 90 COE glass (dichroic and opaque). The following lessons will be taught:
1) Safety
2) Terms of Glass Fusion
3) Color Arrangement
4) Kiln Set-up and Practice
5) Making Your First Charm
APPROXIMATE COST With a kiln already available, it is about $67 per student per semester. If a kiln must be purchased, anticipate a cost of approximately $266 and divide by the # of students
TEACHER TIPS 1. Have a good understanding of the materials before you teach. Use the equipment a couple of times yourself before teaching.
2. Structure the time well; otherwise, the students will be very bored while pieces bake.
3. Maintain strong class discipline for safety reasons.
4. Clarify objectives regarding pieces and creativity. Otherwise, many students will put two pieces of glass together and say they are done.
5. Remember, students will have to come back for their pieces.
ADAPTATIONS
CONTACT Fort Worth ISD