fibreglass

Everyday

1. Fibreglass is a light, strong material made of very thin glass threads, often set in plastic. tree →
2. It is used to make boats, car bodies, helmets, slides and surfboards, and to keep houses warm as insulation in lofts. tree →

In the lessons

Science and design lessons about materials and their properties (light, strong, waterproof, insulating). Safety: loft insulation can make skin itch; use gloves. Phrases: fibreglass boat, fibreglass insulation.

Examples

• The boat is made of fibreglass. tree →
• Fibreglass insulation keeps the loft warm. tree →
• Wear gloves when touching fibreglass, it makes skin itchy. tree →
• The playground slide is fibreglass. tree →
• Fibreglass is light but strong. tree →
• The surfboard has a fibreglass coat. tree →

Note

UK, Australia and NZ: fibreglass; US: fiberglass; Canada uses both. Uncountable. Fibreglass is made from glass but it bends and does not shatter like a window.