Ceramics/Hard Slab Construction

Lesson Topic - Hard Slab Construction by Amanda B

Overview
Essential Question - More Vocabulary
 * How do you make a hard slab piece?

Powerpoint - More Hard Slab Pictures
 * Give handout - Handout
 * Give Pictures of examples of Hard Slab Pieces

More Hard Slab Pictures

Timeline
History: 	Discuss hard slab artists, using powerpoint (20 min)

Demonstration:

Cut out five rectangular pieces of clay, (base and sides of pot) Explain the steps in drying a piece of clay, then connect a side to the base, showing the “slip and score” process (10 min)

Supplies needed for demonstration: Clay, hard board or table, tools to bevel edges, and cut pieces out, brushes and slip

Worktime: (5 days)
 * Day 1- cut out design for pot or sculpture, let pieces dry a little over night (still being covered, but not completely)
 * Day 2- start connecting semi-dried pieces together to form the shape of your object by beveling the edges, slipping and scoring
 * Day 3-5- finish connecting last pieces, put in kiln to fire, glaze the finished project, then fire again for the last time

Lesson Detail
Worktime -
 * 1. Give a demo of how to make the ceramic piece. (15 minutes)
 * Supplies – Clay, clay tools
 * 2. Students draw 3 sketches of ideas for their piece. (45 minutes)
 * Supplies – Paper, pencils
 * 3. Students wedge out clay and cut out shapes for their piece, then let pieces dry a little overnight (while still being covered). (2 days)
 * Supplies – Clay, clay tools
 * 4. Put together pieces and put finishing touches. (2 days)

Evaluation

 * Participation and meeting deadlines.
 * Overall piece construction.
 * Following instructions.