Class: ____Ceramics__________________________________

Course Skills
Students will identify pottery tools and demonstrate that they are responsible for the equipment.(VA.O.SAI.1.1) (VA.O.SAI.1.4) Students will communicate using the language of ceramics.(VA.O.SAI.1.1) Students will demonstrate an effective potters workflow starting with creating with clay to finishing using glaze. (VA.O.SAI.1.2) Students will explore basic handbuilding techniques to create coil pots, pinch pots, slab pots, and tiles. (VA.O.SAI.1.3) Students will identify and incorporate decorating principles used in pottery such a slip trail, fluting, scalloping, fettling, and faceting into their artwork. (VA.O.SAI.2.1) Students will analyze glaze components such as oxides, underglazes and wood ash. They will experiment with glazes that break and crawl for distinct design results. (VA.O.SAI.2.2) Students will learn the functions of glazes for functional and nonfunctional pottery. (VA.O.SAI.2.3) Students will participate in using a Cone 6 kiln for bisque and glaze firing. (VA.O.SAI.2.4) Students will explore different clay bodies and how they are created in different cultures. (VA.O.SAI.3.1) Students will shape clay using templates, and molds to determine the significance of mass production in pottery. (VA.O.SAI.3.2) Students will research paper clay and how it has recently created new opportunities using clay in artwork. (VA.O.SAI.3.3) Students will produce a clay musical instrument such as a flute or a whistle using techniques described by past cultures. (VA.O.SAI.3.4) Students will identify selected meanings, functions and uses of pottery from around the world. (VA.O.SAI.4.1) Students will investigate different cultural themes in texture on the surface of clay (VA.O.SAI.4.2) Students will explain historical influences in ceramics today. (VA.O.SAI.4.3). Students investigate the purpose for creating a cup using different handles and trim. (VA.O.SAI.5.1) Students compare design of teapot, vase and flower pot while taking into consideration cultural influences. (VA.O.SAI.5.2) Student creates detailed tile and participates in critique of own and others artworks (VA.O.SAI.5.3) Students will demonstrate an understanding of techniques for potters and identify the job skills required to do this sort of work at a professional level. (VA.O.SAI.6.1) Student will investigate connections between pottery and other art disciplines.(VA.O.SAI.6.2)

Why did our ancestors use clay? How do clay and mud differ? What is the value of ceramics? What pottery tools are needed to make ceramics? What are some responsibilities needed to use the ceramic studio properly? What is the workflow of a potter? Why do people build by hand? What are some handbuilding techniques? How does method inform technique? Why do we decorate pottery? How can a potter decorate her artwork? What makes something beautiful? What is glaze and what different effects can it have on clay surfaces? How does glaze differ for functional and nonfunctional pottery? What is a bisque firing? What is a glaze firing? What are the different types of clay bodies? How is clay formed in different cultures? How is mass production pottery formed? What purpose does casting ceramics serve? How does it impact contemporary cultures? What are the benefits of using paper clay? How can you make a musical instrument using clay? What are some meanings and uses in pottery from around the world? How has the surface of clay vessels been decorated differently using cultural themes? How has ceramics been shaped throughout the years? How can a cup be created using different trimming and handles? What are some differences in the shape of the teapot, vase and flowerpot? What is a proper art critique and how can we apply it to our own artwork? How is ceramics seen compared to other fine arts? How does function inform design? What is balance? How does it feel to be imbalanced? How can we learn from failure?

Course Essential Questions

Students will understand that Studio design and proper tool use creates a conducive pottery environment. The dangers of toxins and clay dust in a clay studio must be avoided at all times. Glaze is a complex material used to vitrify clay vessels. Handbuilding includes a variety of techniques, each unique in process. Decorating the clay vessel is yet another skill a potter must develop. The chemicals combined in forming glazes react in distinct ways to create artistic effects. The kiln is used to heat the clay and glaze to necessary temperatures. There are a variety of clay bodies, each serving a distinct purpose. Mass production of pottery typically uses molds and templates for quick construction. Paper clay is a recent material that allows potters more freedom in attaching clay together. Pottery is an art made all over the world. Each potter has distinct skills and meanings. Musical instruments can be made using clay. Certain historical techniques continued to be mastered by potters. The cup changes form depending on its handle and trim. Designs vary in tea pots, vases, and flower pots depending on cultural influences. Professional potters must acquire certain job skills. Pottery is a fine art that can be studied at a university level.

Course Understandings