Teacher: McCormick_ Art M/J
Concept/Topic: Ceramics
Unit Essential Students will be able to understand how to shape and mold clay to form into the
Question: object desired.
Date/Time: 1 month
Grade Level: 6-8
Learning Objectives Students will develop an understanding of the hand building technique
called pinching through building pinch pots and the coiling technique.
LEQ (Lesson Essential They will build these and be able to discuss the process and learned
Question): terminology.
The students will gain a clear understanding of clays ability to be
manipulated.
The student will use the tools and materials properly.
The student will use good craftsmanship.
NGSSS VA.68.S.1.4: Use accurate art vocabulary to explain the creative and art-
making processes.
VA.68.S.3.3: Demonstrate understanding of safety protocols for media,
tools, processes, and techniques.
VA.68.H.2.2: Explain the impact artwork and utilitarian objects have on the
human experience.
VA.68.S.3.2: Develop spontaneity and visual unity in artwork through
repeated practice and refined craftsmanship.
Cross Curricular SC.7.P.11.1: Recognize that adding heat to or removing heat from a system
Connections may result in a temperature change and possibly a change of state.
MAFS.K12.MP.5.1: Use appropriate tools strategically.
MAFS.K12.MP.6.1: Attend to precision.
MAFS.K12.MP.7.1: Look for and make use of structure.
Student Activities & First we will discuss the need for ceramics, utilitarian aesthetic purposes.
Procedures Students will be introduced to clay powerpoint, we will go over new
vocabulary as well as work together filling out a study guide at the same
time.
Next students will be given a demonstration on how to wedge clay and
begin pinch pots. They will also review the coiling technique as well as
scratching and scoring.
Students will also be instructed on how to clean the tools and where and
how to store their work until it is ready to be fired.
Students will be introduced to the kiln area and the shelves.
Students will be given a safety demonstration and important instructions.
Students will then be given 1- 2 weeks to work on their pinch/coil pot.
Rubric provides expectations on physical appearance of the pot.
Students will have to wait an additional 1-2 weeks before fire in the kiln.
Once pots are fired they will paint with glazes and be re-fired.
Once all pots are complete students will have a critique.
All pots will be presented and we will circle around the table talking about
what our challenges were as well as what our success were.
Students will be required to write a self critique about their experience
with clay.
Resources/Materials Powerpoint
Tools/Clay
Worksheet
Assessment/HOT-Q Formative assessment questions:
-What are you noticing as you are pinching?
-What does the clay feel like?
-What happens if you pinch too hard?
-Can the cracks in the clay be fixed? What do you think will happen if you
leave it? Can you drink from a cracked cup?
-What tools could be used instead of hands?
-What other ways could you use pinching for?
Summative Assessment:
Rubric, Formal Critique, Self Evaluation
ESE Accommodations ESE/ELL/ESL Students will be provided with extra time as needed.
ESOL One on one time will be given to each student. ESE/ELL/ESL learners will
Differentiated Instruction be given a buddy to help with instruction.
Small group instruction for ALL students.
Visuals will be available to everyone.
Instructional worksheets and cut outs will be provided to everyone
ESE/ELL/ESL students will receive additional support by a teacher
example being made side by side with the student following. The teacher
may even provide additional assistance by moving the students hands to
help them with the method.
Demonstrations
Teacher Example
Vocabulary Kiln, Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain, Leather hard, Plastic, Bone dry,
Slab building, Coil technique, Pinch Technique, Throwing, Molding,
Greenware, Bisqueware, Glassware, Wood Potters Rib, Wood Modeling
Tool, Ribbon Tool, Sponge, Needle Tool, Loop Tool, Metal Scraper, Wire
Clay Cutter, Slip, Score, Wedging, Bat, Cone, Pottery, Glaze, Ceramics.
Civics Connection Engage in metacognition, use critical thinking to identify and solve
problems, use appropriate behavior in a variety of settings. Engage in civil
dialog and discourse, open-minded, empathy, values justice, Self discipline,
engage in reflective practice, persistent and patient.
