For Teachers
Unit of Study
Fireworks of Glass
The Art of Dale Chihuly
Enduring Idea: Dale Chihuly turns ordinary glass into extraordinary works of art that inspire wonder and joy.
In this unit of study, students learn how Dale Chihuly transforms ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art. They learn about the ancient art of glassblowing and consider ways that Chihuly gives back to the community through his work with youth at risk. After creating their own sculptures, students engage in planning an installation in the school setting. This unit is intended for use by classroom and visual arts teachers working together to help students develop skills in observation, questioning, inquiry and communication as they learn key concepts in visual arts, science and language arts.
Grades Kindergarten – 2
Level 1: Non-Reader
This activity encourages students to explore the Pergola ceiling and find various blown glass forms hidden in the ceiling. Audio clues and images assist the learner.
Academic Standards
Create a Virtual Blown Glass Sculpture
Students hear an overview about sculptures, shapes and primary colors and are invited to create their own sculptures. Once the students complete the activity, they have the option to print an image of the sculpture, and/or e-mail a link to the sculpture to themselves, friends and family. Images are displayed on this web site under Student Work.
Academic Standards
Level 2: Early Reader
How Glass is Blown – Sequencing Activity
Students hear and see an instructional slide show detailing the process of glassblowing. After the introduction is complete, students sequence the seven basic steps to glassblowing. Upon successful completion, students see a video of a glass form being blown.
Academic Standards
Create a Virtual Blown Glass Sculpture
Students hear an overview about sculptures, shapes, primary and secondary colors and are invited to create their own sculpture. Once the students complete the activity, they have the option to print an image of the sculpture, and/or e-mail a link to the sculpture to themselves, friends and family. Images are displayed on this web site under Student Work.
Academic Standards
Level 3: Reader
The Creative Process – Sketching Activity
Students learn about the creative process and how some artists start with sketching and are introduced to the concept of abstract art. Students may select from several objects to sketch. Students use the toolbar and color palette to create a drawing that serves as inspiration for a blown glass sculpture. When the students are finished with their work, it changes into an abstract version. Students may print their sketches.
Academic Standards
Create a Virtual Blown Glass Sculpture
Students hear an overview about sculptures, shapes, transparent and opaque colors and are invited to create their own sculptures. Once the students complete the activity, they have the option to print an image of the sculpture, and/or e-mail a link to the sculpture to themselves, friends and family. Images are displayed on this web site under Student Work.
Academic Standards
Grades 3 – 5
Design a Glass Sculpture Installation
An introduction familiarizes students with the installation process. Students select the size of a sculpture, whether it’s indoors or outdoors and what size the installation should be. Upon completion, an animation shows environmental, lighting and other effects on the sculpture. Students complete assessments regarding the success of their installations.
Create a Virtual Blown Glass Sculpture
Students hear an overview about sculptures, shapes, primary, secondary and tertiary colors and are invited to create their own sculptures. Once glass is the desired shape, students click on it and it becomes the form. Once the students complete the activity, they have the option to print an image of the sculpture, and/or e-mail a link to the sculpture to themselves, friends and family. Images are displayed on this web site under Student Work.
Academic Standards
