Course Description- Ceramics 1 - Stevenson High School

Course Description- Ceramics 1

Course Description

Ceramics 1 is a hands on class designed for those art students who like to work in clay. Students will
learn basic and advanced handbuilding techniques and how to use the potters wheel. They will be

introduced to a variety of decorating, glazing and firing techniques and will produce a number of fine
pieces of pottery.

Course Activities

The student will:

1. Explain the possibilities and limitations of working in the third dimension.
2. Describe the characteristics of different pottery tools and materials and will be able to show

how each is used.
3. Define various pottery techniques and will utilize the appropriate technique to create a clay

piece.
4. Develop visual awareness and sensitivity to things made by human beings.

5. Recognize, compare, and contrast the differences in pottery.
6. Recognize terms particular to pottery.

7. Identify the basic principles underlying works of art (composition, design, etc.) and apply them
to classroom assignments.

8. Complete compositional drawings.
9. Read text materials.

10. View audio-visual materials.
11. Participate in self-assessment processes.

Evaluation

A. Each six-week grade will be determined in the following fashion:

Area Percentage(approximate)

1st Grading Period Compositional Drawings..........................20%
2nd Grading Period
Handbuilt Ceramic Pieces........................80%
Compositional Drawings.............................10%

Handbuilt Ceramic Pieces...........................70%
Wheel Thrown Work....................................20%

3rd Grading Period Compositional Drawings...............................10%

Handbuilt Ceramic Pieces............................70%
Wheel Thrown Work....................................20%

1st 6 Weeks 2nd 6 Weeks 3rd 6 Weeks Final Exam Semester Grade

25% + 25% + 25% + 25% = 100%

Illinois State Goals For the Visual Arts

25. Know the language of the arts
A. Understand the sensory elements, organizational principles and expressive qualities of the arts.
B. Understand the similarities, distinctions and connections in and among the arts

26. Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.
A. Understand processes, traditional tools and modern technologies used in the arts.
B. Apply skills and knowledge necessary to create and perform in one or more of the arts.

27. Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.
A. Analyze how the arts function in history, society and everyday life.
B. Understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society, and everyday life.

COURSE LEARNING TARGETS

Activities and Expectations

- Recognize and evaluate strengths/areas for improvement by discussing progress with
teacher (SEL 31A)

- Participate in group discussion/critiques. (SEL 31A, 32, 33)
- Recognize and meet behavior and performance expectations of teacher (SEL 31B, 32A)
- Read and discuss text materials

Unit 1: Pinch Pots

Learning Targets:
-PRODUCE TWO PINCH POTS, ONE PLAIN & ONE DECORATED (P)

*Tools, processes, concepts, vocabulary terms, and historical references
-Define and recognize vocabulary terms (K)
-Recognize, identify, and define elements and principles (K)

*Technique (for plain pinch pot)
-Create a symmetrical form with even wall thickness
-Manipulate the surface of the interior and exterior to be smooth
-Analyze the weight of the bottom, so that it's not too thick

*Technique ( for decorated pinch pot)
-Create a symmetrical form with even wall thickness
-Manipulate the surface of the interior and exterior to be smooth before applying texture and
stamp
-Use a plaster stamp (designed by the student) to create an interesting design on the interior, as
well as the exterior of the piece
-Create incising designs on the pinch pot.
-Use positive/negative space to create balance. (K,S,P)

*Presentation
-Demonstrate care by having so cracks on the surface of the pinch pots.(S)

Unit 2: Coil Template Pot

Learning Targets:

-Produce a symmetrical coil vessel by using a template and a banding wheel (P)

*Tools, processes, vocabulary terms.
-Recognize vocabulary terms (K)
-Recognize, identify elements and principles (K)

*Technique
-Use a template to create a symmetrical coil vase
-Form should fit the template
-Use of scoring and slipping, as well as blending the coils

*Presentation
-Demonstrate care by having a smooth surface, and lip

Unit 3: Organic Coil Vessel

Learning Targets:

-Produce an organic vessel using coils

*Tools, processes, vocabulary terms, and historical references.
-Recognize vocabulary terms (K)
-Recognize, identify elements and principles (K)

*Composition
-Demonstrate divergent thinking skills in idea development (R)
-Use positive/negative space to create balance (K,S,P)

*Technique
-Use of scoring and slipping the coils for the form
-Incorporate surface texture and relief

*Critique
-Participate in self-assessment processes (R, SEL)

*Presentation
-Demonstrate care by having sturdy relief and joins anywhere on the form (R, S)
-Taking care that the organic form is not too heavy, and doesn’t have any crack

Unit 4: Slab Vessel

Learning Targets:

-Produce a vessel using slabs

*Tools, processes, vocabulary terms, and historical references.
-Recognize vocabulary terms (K)
-Recognize, identify elements and principles (K)

*Composition
-Demonstrate divergent thinking skills in idea development (R)
-Use positive/ negative space to create balance (K,S,P)

*Technique
-Use of scoring and slipping slabs for the form
-Incorporate surface texture and relief

*Critique
-Participate in self-assessment processes (R, SEL)

*Presentation
-Demonstrate care by having small coils blended in the seems to avoid cracking
_Taking care that the slab form is not too heavy

Unit 5: Two cups with handles

Learning Targets:

-Produce two cups on the wheel and attach handles

*Tools, processes, vocabulary terms.
-Recognize vocabulary terms (K)
-Recognize, identify elements and principles (K)

*Technique
-Demonstrate control and symmetry on the wheel to create cup
-Produce a smooth lip
-Demonstrate sturdy application of handles that are scored and slipped properly

*Presentation
-Establish handles that would be comfortable to hold
-Taking care that the cups are not too heavy
-Scraping and sanding is completed evenly on the bottom
-Produce cups without cracks on the bottom or on the handles