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Clay Basics

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What do I need to know how to do, and why?

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Processing through these challenges will help you understand the characteristics and abilities of your medium. Completing groundwork activities and skill builders continuously enhances your knowledge and helps you develop the essential skills to create your own artwork.  Deliberate practice helps you master those skills and makes you aware of issues before they become bigger problems in your final artwork.

Digital Response Option

1. Shrink Rate

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What it the shrink rate of clay?

  • Why is knowing about the shrink rate important?

  • How can I figure out the shrink rate of my clay?

  • How can I make a shrinkage ruler?

  • What can you do with a shrinkage ruler?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Answers to Questions

  • Shrinkage Rulers

2. Slip

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • Why do I need slip?

  • How and when will I use slip?

  • What can be added to it to make it thinner?

  • What can be added to it to make it thicker?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Answers to Questions

  • Container of Slip You Made

3. Kneading/Wedging Clay

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • Why do I knead/wedge my clay?

  • When do I need to knead/wedge my clay? 

  • How many ways can I knead/wedge my clay?

  • How do I know when my kneaded/wedged clay is ready to use?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Answers to Questions

  • Photos of your practice wedged clay

4. PINCHING

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • How can I create consistent pinch pots?

  • What's the best thickness for a pinch pot?

  • How can I resolve any cracks that form while I am pinching?

  • How can I finish a pot that gets too flexible while I am working?

  • What are some ways to change the appearance of a pinch pot after it firms up?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Answers to Questions

  • Practice making pinch pots

  • Photos of completed practice pots

5. Joining Clay

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What is the process for joining together pieces of clay?

  • What tools can help me join my clay?

  • How do I know when my clay is joined together well?

  • What can I add to fill the gap in a join?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Answers to Questions

  • Practice Joining Clay

  • Photos of your joined practice pots​

Clay Basics

Reflections

What skills/ strategies did you already know?​​ What was new?
What did you learn as a result of completing this groundwork?
What did you expect?  What surprised you?  

What went well for you?

What could you have done better? 
What do you conclude about using these processes & techniques? Why?
How will you use these skills/ strategies in the future?

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