Exploring 3D construction techniques with clay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design and make a slab built clay vessel, adding patterns and images to tell a story
Key learning points
- Modelling is an additive technique where you shape and mould materials to make a form.
- Artists can use hand building methods like pinch pot, coil method and or the slab method to create clay forms.
- Clay allows details to be added both into the clay as a texture or on top of the clay as a surface design.
Keywords
Slab building - a pottery technique where flat pieces of clay are cut and joined together to make shapes
Vessel - a container that can hold something, like a bowl, pot, vase or cup. In art, vessels can be practical or decorative, and they’re often made using clay in ceramics
Modelling - a way of making 3D art by shaping soft materials like clay or wax with your hands or tools. Artists use modelling to build up forms and textures, often starting with a simple shape and adding detail
Common misconception
Clay work is only about making a vessel which is perfectly symmetrical and with a uniform form.
Clay is expressive! It doesn't have to be perfectly symmetrical or realistic. Many artists use bold designs, patterns, and personal storytelling in their work, imperfections add character and meaning.
Teacher tip
The Additional materials has deeper context on artists. Be mindful of the health and safety around clay use.
Equipment
Planning: paper, pencils and coloured pencils. Sculpture: clay, boards, rolling pins, clay tools, slip. Decorative equipment: acrylic paint, paint pens.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term "embellish" mean?
Q2.What is slip used for in ceramics?
Q3.In ceramics, refers to the 3D shape of a structure.
Q4.Match the term to its definition:
A technique of cutting away from a material to create a shape
A sculpture with shapes raised from a flat surface
A structure that stands on its own without support
Q5.Which of the following is an example of relief?
Q6.A clay sculpture does not always need to stay upright.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the slab building technique in ceramics?
Q2.Which of these is an example of a vessel?
Q3.Modelling is a technique where materials like clay are shaped and moulded to create three dimensional ...
Q4.When adding paint to clay, which is true?
Q5.Match the terms with their descriptions:
a hand building method to create shapes using flat pieces of clay
a container used to hold something, like a pot or bowl
creating 3D art by shaping soft materials like clay
forming the clay with a pinching action to form a hollow shape
Q6.Artists use hand-building methods like pinch methods, coil methods, and to create clay forms.
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Exploring 3D construction techniques with clay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Exploring 3D construction techniques with clay, 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 3 art and design lessons from the Being curious about 3D design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.