How Insulated Glass Changed Architecture
Provided by: Vox|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: History, Engineering
Authors: Vox
Location: Earth, North America, North America > United States, Polar Regions
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video explains the origins of insulated glass and how it impacted architecture.
- Students will learn about how windows historically impacted the buildings they were in, how double-paned glass windows came to the market, how insulated windows work, and the R-value associated with these windows.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video is entertaining and gives a solid understanding of something students live with everyday but may not have thought about before.
Additional Prerequisites
- Ads plays before and after the video.
- There is a joke referring to a man's experiences in World War II that may be confusing or offensive to some students.
- Students should have a basic understanding of recent historical events.
Differentiation
- Cross curricular connections can be made in science and engineering classes by discussing the carbon footprint implications of insulated glass and how the windows compare to walls with R-values of 15 or more.
- Use this video as a conversation starter. What was surprising about the invention of insulated glass? What other aspects of everyday life have had similar impacts? What are some predictions about future innovations and inventions that could have similar impacts?
- This video could also be used in social studies classes when discussing discrimination against women, cultural norms, or the portrayal of women in society.
- Other related resources include this video about passive house design, this video introducing the concept of daylighting, and this video about how concrete could change the world again.
The video investigates the history of "Thermopane" that increased residents' visual and thermal comfort by demonstrating how buildings can be constructed to improve daylighting. This video is recommended for classroom use.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
