New
New
Thinking in 3D, carving with soap
I can create a soap relief carving inspired by insects.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
Thinking in 3D, carving with soap
I can create a soap relief carving inspired by insects.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Thinking in 3D is a valuable skill in fields like architecture, design, and art.
- Sketching 3D objects from different angles helps in understanding depth and form.
- Breaking down complex forms into simpler shapes makes the object easier to understand.
- When carving, removing small amounts at a time helps achieve a more refined and detailed result.
Keywords
Form - the structure of an object, referring to three dimensional space
Carving - cutting or chipping away from a solid material like wood or stone to shape a 3D form
Relief - a sculpture where shapes are raised from a flat background, not fully 3D
Roughing out - the early stage of a sculpture where the basic shape is formed before adding detail
Common misconception
If the surface is carved too deeply, layers can be glued back on later.
Soap is a soft material, and carving too deeply can cause unintended breakage. It’s important to carve in gradual layers, starting with rough shaping before adding finer details.
Additional detail and context about the artist can be found in the additional materials. Be mindful that some pupils may have skin sensitivity to soap, gloves may be useful to have on hand.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Soap, clay tools, drawing materials.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word “form” mean in art and design?
What does the word “form” mean in art and design?
A flat drawing on paper
A material used in sculpture
A plan or sketch
Q2.A sculpture can stand on its own without needing support.
A sculpture can stand on its own without needing support.
Q3.Match each keyword with its correct definition:
Match each keyword with its correct definition:
Q4.Which of these is an example of biomorphic design?
Which of these is an example of biomorphic design?
A brick wall
A metal cube
A perfect sphere
Q5.Paper mâché is made by mixing paper with or paste.
Paper mâché is made by mixing paper with or paste.
Q6.What is “joining” in sculpture?
What is “joining” in sculpture?
Choosing colours
Sketching shapes
Taking photos of art
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does “relief” mean in sculpture?
What does “relief” mean in sculpture?
A fully rounded sculpture
A painting using tone to create the illusion of 3D
A sketch of a 3D object with a deep shadow
Q2.The early stage of carving a sculpture is called and helps form the basic shape.
The early stage of carving a sculpture is called and helps form the basic shape.
Q3.Match each keyword to its definition:
Match each keyword to its definition:
Q4.Why is it best to remove small amounts of soap while carving?
Why is it best to remove small amounts of soap while carving?
It keeps your hands clean
It makes the carving faster
It uses less soap
Q5.What helps to develop understanding of depth when sketching for a relief sculpture?
What helps to develop understanding of depth when sketching for a relief sculpture?
Drawing in 2D only
Ignoring shadow
Using only words
Q6.Thinking in helps artists plan sculptures by imagining depth and structure.
Thinking in helps artists plan sculptures by imagining depth and structure.
