Hands-on Sculpting Activity

Objective:

• Practice basic clay sculpting techniques: coiling, pinching, and slab building.
• Encourage creativity and experimentation with clay.

Materials Needed:

• Clay (enough for each student to create several small forms)
• Basic sculpting tools (wire cutters, rolling pins, sculpting knives)
• Workspace with protective coverings

Instructions:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Briefly review the sculpting techniques from the Sculpting Techniques Presentation.
   • Explain the goals of the hands-on activity and encourage students to be creative.

2. Coiling Practice (15 minutes):

   • Demonstrate how to roll clay into long, even coils.
   • Guide students to stack and blend coils to create simple forms like bowls or vases.
   • Encourage students to experiment with different shapes and sizes.

3. Pinching Practice (15 minutes):

   • Show students how to start with a ball of clay and pinch it into a hollow form.
   • Allow students to create simple bowls or more complex shapes using the pinching technique.
   • Provide assistance and feedback as needed.

4. Slab Building Practice (15 minutes):

   • Demonstrate how to roll clay into flat slabs and cut them into shapes.
   • Guide students in joining slabs to create geometric forms, emphasizing the importance of scoring and slipping.
   • Encourage students to try different combinations and designs.

5. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes):

   • Allow students to share their creations with the class.
   • Discuss what techniques they found most challenging or enjoyable.
   • Encourage students to reflect on their creative process and what they learned.

Follow-up Questions:

• Which technique did you enjoy the most and why?
• What challenges did you face while sculpting, and how did you overcome them?
• How did experimenting with different techniques affect your final piece?

This activity is designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing students to explore their creativity while learning fundamental sculpting techniques. Encourage students to take risks and try new ideas, fostering a supportive and creative classroom environment.

Create a Clay Figure Project

Objective:

• Apply learned sculpting techniques to create a unique clay figure.
• Encourage personal expression and creativity.

Materials Needed:

• Clay (sufficient for each student to create a figure)
• Sculpting tools (wire cutters, rolling pins, sculpting knives)
• Workspace with protective coverings

Instructions:

1. Project Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Explain the project objectives and encourage students to think creatively about their clay figure.
   • Discuss how they can incorporate coiling, pinching, and slab building techniques into their design.

2. Design Phase (10 minutes):

   • Allow students time to sketch or plan their clay figure.
   • Encourage them to think about the figure's form, texture, and details.

3. Sculpting Phase (30 minutes):

   • Guide students as they begin sculpting their clay figure.
   • Provide assistance and feedback, helping them troubleshoot any challenges.
   • Encourage students to experiment with different techniques and textures.

4. Finishing Touches (10 minutes):

   • Allow students to refine their figures, adding details and smoothing surfaces.
   • Discuss the importance of finishing touches in enhancing their sculpture's appearance.

5. Presentation and Reflection (10 minutes):

   • Have students present their clay figures to the class, explaining their creative process and choices.
   • Use the Sculpture Assessment Rubric to provide feedback and evaluate the sculptures.
   • Encourage students to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply these skills in future projects.

Reflection Questions:

• What inspired your clay figure design?
• Which techniques did you find most effective in achieving your desired outcome?
• How did you overcome any challenges during the sculpting process?

This project is designed to be a culmination of the skills learned in the lesson, allowing students to express their creativity and individuality through their clay figures. Encourage them to take pride in their work and share their artistic journey with their peers.

Sculpture Assessment Rubric

This rubric is designed to evaluate students' clay sculptures based on creativity, technique, and presentation. It provides clear criteria to guide feedback and encourage reflection on their work.

Instructions for Use:

• Use this rubric to evaluate each student's clay sculpture during the Create a Clay Figure Project.
• Provide feedback based on the criteria, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
• Encourage students to use the feedback to reflect on their work and consider how they can apply these insights to future projects.

This rubric aims to support students in developing their artistic skills and understanding of sculpting techniques while fostering a reflective and growth-oriented mindset.