Last updated: 4/10/2025

Ceramics 1 First Semester

Ceramics 1 - Introduction to Ceramics

Duration: 18 Weeks, ½ Credit Course

9 weeks, First Semester

9 weeks, Seond Semester

Required to Pass Intro to Art before taking Ceramics.

Grades 10-12

Units:

1. Introduction to Ceramics & Tools

*Safety and Studio Etiquette

*Overview of Basic Tools and Equipment

*Introduction to the history of ceramics

2. Handbuilding Techniques

*Pinch Pots

*Coil Building

*Slab Construction

3. Introduction to Wheel Throwing

*Cemtering and basic throwing techniques

*Basic bowl forms

4. Surface Decoration

*Techniques: Carving, Incising, Underglaze

*Glaze basics and applications

5. Kiln and Firing

*Types of kilns and their uses

*Bisque firing and glaze firing

*Video, Visit Local Artist: Raku, Salt, Pitt firing

6. Final Project: Jandbuilding and/or Throwing

*Intergration of techniques learned

*Planning and executing a final piece

(1)	DA:Cn10.1.Kb	Observe a work of visual art. Describe and express through movement something of interest about the artwork. Ask questions related to the connection between the movements and the artwork.
(1)	VA:Cn11.1.4a	Connect visual characteristics of works of art and design to beliefs and traditions in a culture.
(1)	VA:Cr2.3.7a	Apply visual organizational strategies to design and produce a work of art or design that clearly communicates information or ideas.

1. What are the fundamental techniques in ceramics?

2. How can clay be manipulted using handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques?

3. What is the role of decoration and glaze in ceramics?

1. Basic ceramic techniques: handbuilding, wheel throwing.

2. Surface decoration and glazing methods.

3. Kiln types and firing processes.

Clay

Glaze

Bisque

Coil

Slab

Pinch Pot

Wheel Throwing

Incising

Underglaze

Kiln

Firing

Raku

Students will learn:

1. Safe and effective use of tools and equipment.

2. Handbuilding techniques: Pinch, Coil, and Slab.

3. Wheel Throwing: Centering and basic shapes

4. Surface decoration techniques

5. Basic glazing and firing proesses

Resources:

Clay and various tools

Pottery Wheel

Kiln access for learning purposes only. Teacher ran only.

Glazes and Underglazes

Instructional Videos: http://www.youtube.com/@KarensPotsAndGlass

Textbook: Experience Clay by Mackey, Davis Publishing

Assessment Methods

Formative: Sketchbook entries, class participation, technique quizzes, in-progress critiques verbal and written
Summative: Final project evaluation, portfolio review (includes sketchbook, practice pieces, and finished works)

Reading and Writing Material

“The Craft and Art of Clay” by Susan Peterson (excerpts)
Short readings on the history of ceramics
Ceramic journal entries documenting the creative process include sketches/photographs