Build a clay celebration cake
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can sculpt and decorate a clay celebration cake using different techniques.
Key learning points
- Understand that clay can be molded and shaped into forms like celebration cakes.
- Demonstrate how to join pieces of clay together using slip and scoring to build a three-dimensional structure.
- Apply knowledge of textures and patterns in clay to enhance the design of their cake.
Keywords
Sculpting - the process of creating three-dimensional works by shaping or combining materials
Slip - a liquid mixture of clay and water used to join pieces of clay
Coiling - a technique of shaping clay by rolling it into long, snake-like pieces and stacking them to create shapes
Common misconception
If the clay is wet, it will stick together and hold without needing to apply slip.
Clay must be wet enough to join properly. Without slip, dry clay won't bond effectively, leading to cracks. The best way to stick together different pieces of clay is to score each side and use slip to ensure a secure connection.
Teacher tip
When students are building their cakes, remind them to keep their clay pieces moist but not too wet. Dry clay can crack, and overly wet clay may collapse. Encourage students to apply textures and detail to refine their sculpture. If a hollow structure is created students must create an air hole.
Equipment
Clay (air-dry or kiln-fired). Clay tools (rolling pins, texture stamps, carving tools). Paper and pencil for sketching ideas. Aprons to protect clothing.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The coil technique in ceramics is ...
Q2.Slip is used to __________ in clay work.
Q3.Which of these is an example of a ceramic object?
Q4.What is slab building in ceramics?
Q5.Put these pottery making steps in order:
Q6.Match each clay technique to how it's used:
shaping clay using long rolls of clay stacked on top of each other
shaping clay by pinching it between fingers to form a pot or bowl
a liquid mixture of clay and water used to join pieces of clay
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do artists use the coiling technique?
Q2.Which tool might you use to add texture to your clay cake sculpture?
Q3.It is important to keep clay moist when working with it to ...
Q4.Why is it important to add texture to your clay cake sculpture?
Q5.Which of the following are hand-building clay techniques?
Q6.Match the keywords to the definitions:
the process of creating 3D works by shaping or combining materials
a liquid mixture of clay and water used to join pieces of clay
shaping clay by rolling it into long pieces and stacking them
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Build a clay celebration cake, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Build a clay celebration cake, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Ceramics: cake culture unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.