CERAMICS
Ten-Month Planning Calendar
September
October
November
December
January
Pottery-Building Methods
• characterize the essential properties of clay
(e.g., plasticity,
porosity, vitrification)
• compare different kiln temperatures to
produce different firing
effects
• distinguish among the different methods of
joining clay pieces for
firing
• identify the chemical formula for clay
• discuss other forms of clay seldom used by
potters
• test the plasticity of a sample of clay
• manipulate clay while maintaining
plasticity
• explore clay forming while in the porous
stage
• differentiate among earthenware,
stoneware, and porcelain-type
ceramics
• demonstrate techniques of pottery creation
(e.g., pinch, coil, slab,
thrown)
• describe the importance of thoroughly
drying clay prior to firing
Ceramic Decorative Processes
• explain how glass spread over the surface
of clay (glaze) serves to seal
the material
• recognize the endless supply of glass glaze
available for melting onto
clay
• demonstrate different methods of glaze
application (e.g., pouring,
dipping, spraying, brushing)
• achieve texture through the use of tool
marks
• identify the chemical source for glazes
• explain the relationship between clear glass
and transparent glazes
• describe the first uses of glazes during the
Egyptian civilization
• define the original method of creating
colors to glazes (e.g., adding
metallic oxides)
• identify the appropriate usage of glossy
versus matte glazes
• apply glazes to bisque ware for both glossy
and matte finishes using
appropriate techniques
• use pottery tools to create texture on
ceramic pieces
Visual Interpretation of
Two-Dimensional Objects
define and use positive and negative space
in the creation of a three-dimensional piece
• differentiate between representative and
non-representative designs
• analyze three-dimensional works of art
from their perspective points of view
• explain the relationship between art
criticism and the creation of new works of
art
• define and construct a free-standing,
functional, or non-functional sculpture
• compare and contrast two-dimensional and
three-dimensional works of art
• analyze famous two-dimensional works of
art for the presence of the elements of
design
• synthesize the elements of design into a
new three-dimensional form expressing the
original theme of the artist
• use texture and/or color to decorate
synthesized three-dimensional works of art
Free-Standing and Relief Sculptures
• distinguish between subtractive techniques
(e.g., plaster) and additive techniques
(e.g., clay)
• provide art examples illustrating the
manner in which natural surroundings are
abstracted
• analyze negative space, as well as positive
space, in free-standing sculptures
• develop craftsmanship in forming and
decorating non-objective, free-standing
sculptures
• demonstrate problem-solving strategies
inherent in subtractive sculptural forms
• explore patina (e.g., faux) techniques for
the finishing of sculptures
• simplify and stylize non-objective art
through abstraction
• critically appraise finished sculptures by
comparing and contrasting against famous
works of art and/or student products
Sculptures of Western Civilization
explore imagery and symbolism exhibited
in pottery and sculptures
• view history through representative pottery
and sculpture
• explore and evaluate how changing times,
location, economy, and culture blending
affect the design and functionality of
pottery
• explain how the functions of pottery have
changed over time
• describe the various ways that the art of
ceramics was changed since the advent of
the pottery wheel
• explore the cultural tradition of wearing
masks and extrapolate beyond the
decorative surface to derive deeper meaning
• describe great sculptures of western
civilization
• identify artistic expression throughout
different periods in art history
February
March
April
May
June
Pottery-Building Methods
• characterize the essential properties of clay
(e.g., plasticity,
porosity, vitrification)
• compare different kiln temperatures to
produce different firing
effects
• distinguish among the different methods of
joining clay pieces for
firing
• identify the chemical formula for clay
• discuss other forms of clay seldom used by
potters
• test the plasticity of a sample of clay
• manipulate clay while maintaining
plasticity
• explore clay forming while in the porous
stage
• differentiate among earthenware,
stoneware, and porcelain-type
ceramics
• demonstrate techniques of pottery creation
(e.g., pinch, coil, slab,
thrown)
• describe the importance of thoroughly
drying clay prior to firing
Ceramic Decorative Processes
• explain how glass spread over the surface
of clay (glaze) serves to seal
the material
• recognize the endless supply of glass glaze
available for melting onto
clay
• demonstrate different methods of glaze
application (e.g., pouring,
dipping, spraying, brushing)
• achieve texture through the use of tool
marks
• identify the chemical source for glazes
• explain the relationship between clear glass
and transparent glazes
• describe the first uses of glazes during the
Egyptian civilization
• define the original method of creating
colors to glazes (e.g., adding
metallic oxides)
• identify the appropriate usage of glossy
versus matte glazes
• apply glazes to bisque ware for both glossy
and matte finishes using
appropriate techniques
• use pottery tools to create texture on
ceramic pieces
Visual Interpretation of
Two-Dimensional Objects
define and use positive and negative space
in the creation of a three-dimensional piece
• differentiate between representative and
non-representative designs
• analyze three-dimensional works of art
from their perspective points of view
• explain the relationship between art
criticism and the creation of new works of
art
• define and construct a free-standing,
functional, or non-functional sculpture
• compare and contrast two-dimensional and
three-dimensional works of art
• analyze famous two-dimensional works of
art for the presence of the elements of
design
• synthesize the elements of design into a
new three-dimensional form expressing the
original theme of the artist
• use texture and/or color to decorate
synthesized three-dimensional works of art
Free-Standing and Relief Sculptures
• distinguish between subtractive techniques
(e.g., plaster) and additive techniques
(e.g., clay)
• provide art examples illustrating the
manner in which natural surroundings are
abstracted
• analyze negative space, as well as positive
space, in free-standing sculptures
• develop craftsmanship in forming and
decorating non-objective, free-standing
sculptures
• demonstrate problem-solving strategies
inherent in subtractive sculptural forms
• explore patina (e.g., faux) techniques for
the finishing of sculptures
• simplify and stylize non-objective art
through abstraction
• critically appraise finished sculptures by
comparing and contrasting against famous
works of art and/or student products
Sculptures of Western Civilization
explore imagery and symbolism exhibited
in pottery and sculptures
• view history through representative pottery
and sculpture
• explore and evaluate how changing times,
location, economy, and culture blending
affect the design and functionality of
pottery
• explain how the functions of pottery have
changed over time
• describe the various ways that the art of
ceramics was changed since the advent of
the pottery wheel
• explore the cultural tradition of wearing
masks and extrapolate beyond the
decorative surface to derive deeper meaning
• describe great sculptures of western
civilization
• identify artistic expression throughout
different periods in art history