Standards – Based Instructional Unit
Subject:
COURSE: Clay Expressions
Topic: Course Overview
GRADE/LEVEL
21st Century Graduation Expectation(s):
1.1 Acquiring and applying knowledge and skills within and across the curriculum
1.2 Analyzing and evaluating information
2.1 Working cooperatively and/ or independently
2.2 Applying problem solving strategies
2.3 Utilizing resources and time effectively
2.4 Accessing, compiling, and interpreting and presenting data and information
3.2 Recognizing and respecting the diversity and individuality of others
3.3 Understanding and accepting the benefits and consequences of his/her behavior
4.3 Speaking, listening and interpreting effectively
Rhode Island Grade Span Expectation:
R2 Vocabulary Strategies
R3 Breadth of Vocabulary
R7 Understanding of Informational Text
R8 Analysis of Informational Text
W1 Structures of Language
W6/W7/W8 Informational Writing
W9 Writing Conventions
W10 Writing Process / Habit of Writing
M(G&M) 7 Uses Units of Measure
Rhode Island Visual Art and Design Standards:
VAD 1 (9-12) –1
Students demonstrate knowledge and application of VA&D
concepts
a. applying a variety of selected VAD concepts for two- and
three -dimensional works of art and interpreting and
evaluating the effects
b. generating, applying, revising, and evaluating strategies and
techniques to address artistic problems
c. using observation to develop a reasonably accurate visual
representation of a variety of shapes, proportionally and in
perspective
d.
documenting and evaluating personal progress through a
portfolio of self-created art work identifying strengths and
weaknesses
VAD 1 (9-12) – 2
Students demonstrate knowledge and skill of media, tools,
techniques, and processes of VA&D
a. selecting and evaluating a variety of media, tools, techniques,
and processes in creating two- and three- dimensional works
of art and design (e.g., digital media, sculpture, found
objects, assemblage)
Rhode Island Grade Span Expectations for
Applied Learning Standards:
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Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Research
Communication
Reflection and Evaluation
b. demonstrating knowledge of vocabulary of media,
techniques, and processes (e.g., digital, sculpture, found
objects, assemblage)
VAD 2 (9-12) –1
Students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the
role of VA&D in personal, cultural, and historical contexts
a. evaluating several unique purposes for making visual art and
design (e.g., telling a story; communicating ideas, personal
beliefs, and emotions; creating functional objects; making
political and social commentary)
b. Analyzing the connections between Visual Arts and Design
and other disciplines (e.g. ceramics and chemistry, sculpture
and physics, designing and engineering)
c. analyzing different cultures’ expectations and appreciation of
the role of the artists in society
d.
analyzing two different career opportunities in the arts and
learning pathways to be a professional artist
e. interpreting and evaluating specific qualities about the visual
arts and design in two cultures and time periods
VAD 3 (9-12) –1
Students communicate in the language of VA&D
a. evaluating and applying media techniques, processes, and
visual arts and design concepts to convey specific feelings,
ideas, or meanings
b. creating a unique solution for a visual art or design problem
(e.g., create a researched blueprint design of a renovation for
an area within the school)
c. evaluating how current popular media, political propaganda,
and contemporary artists use visual symbols to represent
ideas and values (the visual culture)
d. creating innovative symbols in their own works of art or
design and referencing historic or contemporary art
VAD 3 (9-12) - 2
Students demonstrate the ability to extract meaning from
works of art
a.
researching and evaluating subject matter, symbols and
ideas in a work of art or design
VAD 4 (9-12) –1
Students reflect upon, analyze and evaluate the work of self
and others
a. describing subject matter, media, techniques, processes,
craftsmanship and relevant visual arts concepts seen in a
work of art or design
b. interpreting and evaluating a visual art and design work
based on analysis of description and when and by whom the
work was done
c. evaluating creative elements in the work
d. researching specific questions relating to social and symbolic
context, how, when, and where the work of art or design was
created (e.g., What are important symbols of contemporary
Latino cultures?)
e. contributing in individual or group discussions about work in
which the student gives and receives constructive criticism
f. evaluating one’s own work for creativity, quality of
craftsmanship, effective use of visual arts and design
concepts, and choice of subject matter based on the analysis
of exemplar works of art or design
Essential Question(s):
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How can clay be used as an expressive media in the visual arts?
What skills are needed to transcend ideas into works of art that are made out of clay?
How has clay been utilized as a functional and artistic media throughout Western and Non-Western history?
How are two-dimensional concepts transformed to three-dimensional works of art?
What knowledge and skills are needed to create a work of art in clay?
Content Topics:
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The purpose of expression in the visual arts.
Elements and principles of design – specifically an emphasis on form, texture, space, balance, contrast, and unity.
The skills learned to create artistic objects in clay.
Presenting abstract ideas through creating objects in clay.
Student-Centered Instructional Strategies:
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Vocabulary (per unit presented and included in lessons)
Presentation of media and materials that will be encounters in each thematic unit
Demonstration of technique and expectations of each project
Demonstrate how each individual student will organize individual work stations and usage of equipment.
Timeline of projects to meet deadlines – sketches, drafts, final presentations
Demonstrating final presentation of artwork
Presentation and exhibition of work
Instructional Resources and Equipment:
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Books based on comic and animation production, history, etc.,
Videos/DVD’s
Prints
Student examples
LCD projector and computer
Internet
Powerpoint presentations
Materials:
Paper and pencils, clay, glaze, and clay tools
Assessment Task(s):
Students are required to produce art work that meets the Rhode Island Visual Art and Design Standards, North Providence
High School Graduation Expectations, GSE’s and specific lesson rubrics. Students will also be assessed based on written
exams, verbal and written critiques, journals and lesson/project sheets, critiques, exhibitions of their work, journals and
reflective writing.
Reflection/Comments:
The Clay Expression course presents students with a chance to work primarily with three-dimensional media. By using
clay, students solve design problems differently from when using two-dimensional media, allowing for different artistic
endeavors and challenges.