Class: 7th Grade Exploratory
Lesson: Ceramic Cup Design
Teacher: Mrs. Seeger
Due Date: May 30, 2014
LESSON OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
Strengthen hand-building skills by reviewing simple steps to create a ceramic cup
Understand planning from 2D to 3D by using sketchbook for planning the shape
Comprehend clay vocabulary to use during class discussions
Know how to find the circumference using diameter and pie
INTRODUCTION
Clay is the material used by potters to design vessels that are functional or decorative. This material is
found in the ground, filtered through a screen to remove rocks and extra sediment, used to make art.
Clay comes in many different colors: red, white, and grey. Each type of clay has a different firing
temperature and textural look. Hand-building clay pots have been around for a very long time; most
pieces were used for functional purposes. The decorative pots emerged later on when clay was used to
create vases, vessels, and plaques to be used in many types of buildings.
VOCABULARY
CLAY: the pliable mud mined from the earth that is used to create vessels/pottery
WEDGE: To remove air bubbles from the clay by pressing the clay particles together. If the clay
is not properly wedged, the air bubble will expand when heated and cause the vessel to
crack/explode
SLAB- One of the 3 hand-building methods for making ceramics; the other two are pinch and
coil. The process involves rolling the clay to an even thickness of ¼ inch and then cutting out a
desired shape. The pieces are assembled to create your form.
5-S METHODS- The method used for adhering or sticking clay bodies together.
Slip-watery clay that acts like glue
Score-making marks on the clay that act as traction
Stick-placing the 2 bodies of clay together
Support- a coil of clay place around the clay addition for stability
Smooth-smoothing out the clay with pressure/water to erase the joint\
TWO METHODS TO SHOW DETAILS
ADDITIVE METHOD-Details made by adding separate pieces of clay
SUBTRACTIVE METHOD-Details made by removing clay through cutting or carving
TOOLS/TERMS FOR FIRING
FIRED-The term used to state that the clay vessel has been heated in the kiln
KILN-The “oven” in which the clay is fired to a temperature around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit
STAGES OF A FINISHED CLAY PROJECT
GREENWARE- clay that has not been fired; if it gets wet, it goes back to clay
BISQUEWARE- clay that has been fired in the kiln once; it is now permanent
GLAZEWARE-bisqueware that has a chemical compound applied that when it is fired, will result
in a shiny, and glass-like appearance.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Go over the introduction; follow along as vocabulary is reviewed and shown during a
demonstration
2. Look through examples of cup designs as a class and be inspired to use those styles in designing
your cup. Possibly draw out the cup in your sketchbook
3. Gather clay material after a demo cup has been made in class; gather supplies for making the
cup
4. Make the cup using any hand-building method that was shown during class
5. Carve name into the bottom of the cup before placing the cup near the kiln to be fired.
SUPPLIES
Clay
Clay Tools
Water
Assignment Sheet
Sketchbook
Pencil
Eraser
Glaze
Paint Brush
ASSESSMENT
Proper Clay Technique, Craftsmanship, Planning, Creativity, Quiz
CLEAN-UP
THROW AWAY PAPER TOWELS, CLEAN PAINT TRAY, PUT SKETCHBOOK
AWAY IN DRAWER OF PURPLE CABINET, PLACE ALL TOOLS AWAY IN
DESIGNATED AREA, PLACE FINISHED WORK IN DESIGNATED AREA