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Plan Number: 042
Title/Lesson/Theme: Ceramics- Making Clay Containers
Designed by: N. Wehrheim
Grade level/Discipline: Grades 5-6/Art-Ceramics
Estimated Time: 4-6 weeks
Objectives (what will be assessed?):
The students will investigate the process artists use in making ceramic vessels. The students will incorporate knowledge learned to create their own clay container using coil techniques.
Description/Background:
Students will study, through the use of class discussions, the art of making clay containers. Students will study all of the material in the Art & Life of Africa program that deals with making clay pottery. Students will study individual countries and compare and contrast methods used. Students can make reference to information they may already have about Native American pottery (the work of Maria Martinez) and contemporary methods for making pottery.
Step by Step Procedure:
1. Review the pottery slides that you have created from the Art & Life in Africa CD program. This slide show will show the process of creating clay coil containers. Show examples from various resources other than the CD program so that students will have other information about clay coil containers throughout the world (especially if you are cross referencing with contemporary artists and Native American artists).
As the slide show proceeds, include the maps of the countries from where the clay containers are made so that students have this reference.
2. Students will discuss the process of making clay coil containers. Students will watch a demonstration of making clay coil containers.
3. Students will work individually in making their own clay container incorporating the techniques learned through demonstration/.
4. Students will incorporate texture into their clay container or other methods of decoration.
5. Students will decorate (through the use of paint) their clay container. (This is optional.)
Assignment in CD (essays, chapters):
Using the Index and Slide Show find field photos of Barbara Frank (pottery), Christopher Roy (pottery), Allen F. Roberts (pottery), Fred Smith (pottery) to search for examples of the step-by-step process of making pottery. Arrange photos in order so that this process is explained so that students can understand.
Studio Materials Needed:
Miscellaneous - clay, clay tools, kiln
Alternate: use of metal garbage can drilled with holes for a sawdust firing (video of the process can be shown to the students if open burning laws prohibit this in your community)
Vocabulary:
Ceramics, kiln, firing, slip, coils, craft, functional art, temper, texture
Evaluation/Assessment tool (how will objectives be assessed?:
Students will be able to complete a clay coil container following the step-by-step procedure demonstrated through the use of slides and also by the teacher. Students will be evaluated on craftsmanship and work ethic.
Bibliography/Alternative resources:
Websites:
Submitted 7/28/98