Clay Head Construction
Description
Lesson Goals: To give students the opportunity to practice their understanding of facial
proportions, while applying it to a 3-D object.
To exploring the properties of clay as an art medium
Outcomes Targeted: GCO 2.2 Incorporate visual, special, and temporal concepts in creating art
GCO 5.1 Draw upon other arts disciplines as a resource in the creation of their
own artworks
I Can Statement: I apply my understanding of facial proportions to create an interesting head out
of clay.
Key Vocabulary and Wedging, slip, greenware, bisqueware, glazeware, kiln, firing, proportion, coil
Skills:
Material Needed: Newspaper, water, clay tools (a pencil, and popsicle stick will do), plastic for
wrapping unfinished work, LED Projector, computer, paper towel
Your Learners: A group of Grade 8 students with assorted range of abilities.
Lesson:
I. Introduction (Teacher organized)
Complete Lesson Clay Head Construction Complete Lesson
To get a better idea of how the face looks in the round ( 3 dimensional world) we are going to apply what weve
learned from our understanding of facial proportions, and our exploration of drawing facial expressions to creating a
head out of clay.
Clay notes
Clay is a great medium for sculpture in that it can be: molded, subtracted from, or added to.
Wedging
- Technique that involves manipulating the clay in order to:
a) get rid of air pockets that can damage a clay piece while cooking
b) excite the molecules to make clay more malleable
Slip- extra wet muddy clay used as glue to help fasten clay pieces together
The 5 Stages of Clay
Wet- This is when the clay can be easily manipulated
Leather Hard- Clay is still wet but has hardened enough to hold its own weight
Useful when making clay boxes etc.
Greenware- When clay is completely dry and ready to be fired
Clay can be softened again by adding water
Bisqueware- Clay that has gone through initial firing (cooking)
Clay is still porous but will not soften when wet
Glazeware- Clay that has gone through a second firing with glaze applied
Glaze creates a glasslike finish. Objects will not absorb moisture
Good for plates and mugs
Kiln- The oven used to fire (cook) clay
Driving Question: How to apply our knowledge of facial proportions to create an interesting head sculpture out of clay
Time Allotted: 20 minutes
II. Guided Learning (Teacher/student collaboration)
Instructions
Teacher- Make sure that each student, as well as teacher, has the above materials set up
Demonstrate each step of process while explaining procedure. Use the Clay Head
Directions Reference Sheets as a guide, or use the screencasts for demonstration.
Clay Head Directions Clay head Reference Sheets
Clay Head Screencasts Clayhead screencasts
Check and assist students as needed. Other than the pinch pot assembly, remind
students that the demonstration is only a guideline, and they can use their own method
if they like.
If project is not completed by end of class, have students scratch name into back of
project and wrap in damp paper towel to keep wet until next time.
Cover unfinished projects in plastic to keep them from drying.
Allow enough time for students to clean up properly.
Once projects are finished.
1. Make sure there is an opening for internal air to escape during firing.
2. Make sure students name is clearly visible on back of clay head.
Remind students not to wrap head so that it can air dry
Time Allotted: 2 Hours
III. Collaborative Learning (Student focused activity)
Procedure: Students- Set up work area as instructed.
Follow instructions for building clay head. Try to resist the urge to get ahead of
teacher instruction.
Help each other.
Dont be afraid to experiment after considering guideline.
Allow the clay to help decide what it wants to look like- Dont get too obsessed with
trying to create a specific character for your first attempt.
Be creative and strive for originality.
Carefully follow clean up instructions at end of class.
Time Allotted: 2 Hours- in unison with Guided Learning
IV. Grand Finale End of class sharing: Discuss and examine results. Encourage students to comment on each others
pieces.
Explain to students the firing process required they can move onto the painting stage.
Time Allotted: 10 minutes
Differentiation
Give guidance and assistance to each student as needed. Encourage students to try on their own, but be prepared to
assess level of assistance required for each student.
Assessment and Evaluation:
Craftmanship 10
Originality 5
Visual Appeal 10
Time/Effort 15
Total 40
Adaptations and IPPs: The Level of adaptations will depend on the needs of each student.
Repeating directions,
Re- demonstrating steps,
Assisting in the actual clay manipulation
Seating student closer to demonstration area
Frequent check- ins
