Students were introduced to the basics of working with clay by engaging with the task of developing a type of vessel, anything at least 5 inches tall that could potentially hold water. Link to Google Slides used
Day 1 (50 min. periods)
Student took a pre-test over the basic terms of ceramics, such as the stages of clay
Then students were directly instructed as an introduction to the basic terms
Next students as a whole class brainstormed as I wrote on the board what types of things would count as a vessel for this project
Finally students watched a me demonstrate how to wedge the clay and after obtained their own clay to practice wedging
Day 2
Students begin by reviewing as a group the wedging technique and then watch a demo of how to coil and use slip and scoring to build up a vessel
Afterward, students are referred back to the brain storm list from the day prior and make at least 2 sketches of their idea for the vessel they want to create along with a short description of it. The description can be about what it is, why they want to make it, where they got their inspiration, etc... The point is for them to write about their idea.
Once their idea and description (i.e. an artist statement) are approved by me they may begin wedging and constructing their project
Day 3 -6
Students continue studio work on their project with frequent in-process feedback from me until it is ready to eventually be fired in the kiln and then be glazed
Once the vessel is ready for the kiln, students then write in response to some prompts that promote self-reflection and planning of how they will glaze it after it is fired
Mug Mugs with 7-8th grade
Students in an art elective class furthered their understanding of ceramics by designing and creating a functional mug with a face that demonstrated their understanding of high and low relief. Students were introduced to the slab technique of constructing a mug but were given the option of using the coil or slab technique depending on what they saw best fit their needs.
Students were first took a ceramics pre-test via Google Classroom and Forms, the same one as the Introductory classes. Then I reviewed all the basic terms and techniques they were just pre-tested over, asking students to raise their hands and recall aloud what they knew. Then directly instructed about the project expectations outlined clearly in a Slides presentation that included motivating videos of working ceramists, scenes from Jim Henson's film the Labyrinth in order to demonstrate expressive facial features, examples and nonexamples of grade level artwork, and relevant examples from an inspiring artist I personally know.
Students then began research using their Chromebooks to find sources of inspiration for the face they wanted to make, then printed at least 2 images out, drew 2 sketches from different angles of the project, and wrote a short artist statement. Then showed it to me for approval.
Students as a whole class watched me demonstrate how to use the slab technique while reviewing the other basic techniques.
Studio work began after students received my approval of their design and plan of action.