A researcher looks at cells under a microscope. A scientist studies bacteria in a Petri dish. A student boils liquid in a test tube. What do these things all have in common? The answer is: glass! Learn how something as simple as glass has played a huge role in scientific exploration with this fascinating Informational Text created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution! Build reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!