Thinking in 3D, carving with soap
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a soap relief carving inspired by insects.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
Soap, clay tools, drawing materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word “form” mean in art and design?
Q2.A sculpture can stand on its own without needing support.
Q3.Match each keyword with its correct definition:
Building or assembling parts
Connecting parts together
Paper mixed with glue or paste
Natural, organic-looking shapes
Q4.Which of these is an example of biomorphic design?
Q5.Paper mâché is made by mixing paper with or paste.
Q6.What is “joining” in sculpture?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does “relief” mean in sculpture?
Q2.The early stage of carving a sculpture is called and helps form the basic shape.
Q3.Match each keyword to its definition:
Structure in 3D space
Removing material to shape a form
Raised design on flat background
First shaping stage in sculpture
Q4.Why is it best to remove small amounts of soap while carving?
Q5.What helps to develop understanding of depth when sketching for a relief sculpture?
Q6.Thinking in helps artists plan sculptures by imagining depth and structure.
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Thinking in 3D, carving with soap, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Thinking in 3D, carving with soap, 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.