Alan Nakagawa

Nakagawa's "Looking at Science through the Arts" project engages students in scientific concepts through the art of glass blowing. Initially, students learn about the insulating properties of various materials by constructing a glass furnace, glass annealer, and blowpipe heater. They also learn about the melting point of various mixtures of glass as well as the chemical and physical changes that occur during the melting process. Students then move on to actual glass blowing, beginning with small bubbles, then creating their own works of art. The project allows students to see up close how gravity, motion, and air help in the creation of art.