Clay Oysters Lesson Plan

Level: Elementary School

Duration: 2, 45 minute class periods

Historical Overview: August Rodin and France (For Adults: Judy Chicago)

Goals and Objectives: To introduce sculpting techniques.

Vocabulary: positive and negative space, carving additive and subtractive methods, proportion, scale

Materials: clay, carving tools, wire and washer clay cutting tool, sponges, water containers, tooth brushes, spray bottle

Procedures:

Day 1

1. Anticipatory Set: Show posters and books of images of different bowls from around the world
2. Wedge Clay.
3. Make wire and washer clay cutting tool.
4. Review vocabulary.
5. Show students shells and have them identify them using shell chart as oysters.
6. Discuss importance of oysters in the environment.
7. Demonstrate subtractive method and found tools.
8. Have students wedge clay.
9. Students make oyster shell bowls and discuss.
10. When pieces are dry work is fired

Day 2

1. Firing process explained and parts of kiln shown.
2. Students paint complete projects with glaze.
3. Students take to kiln and work is fired.
4. Plastic bead “Pearls” can be glued on.