Casting methods: reproducing and enhancing sculptures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain and apply casting stages to create a small sculpture, experimenting with materials and finishes.
Key learning points
- Different casting materials offer various textures, finishes, weights and durability.
- Stages in model making: mouldmaking, casting, curing and finishing all require focus to ensure accuracy and quality.
- Casting enables the creation of multiple copies or editions of a sculpture, making art more accessible and versatile.
Keywords
Mould - hollow form used to shape liquid or pliable casting material
Edition - multiple copies of a sculpture from one mould
Finish - surface treatment (polish, paint, patina) that changes appearance and durability
Common misconception
All casts look the same no matter what material is used.
Different materials give different textures, weights, weights and finishes - same mould different outcomes.
Teacher tip
Encourage risk-taking – allow students to pour or mix independently after demonstrating. Stress safety and promote self and peer reflection. Compare and contrast textures, finishes and editions made by peers.
Equipment
Clay / wax for models, alginate / silicone for moulds, plaster / resin / concrete for casts, mixing containers, spatulas, PPE, sketchbooks and drawing equipment.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a mould used for in casting?
Q2.Why might an artist want to make several copies (editions) of the same sculpture?
Q3.Which step comes first when making a cast?
Q4.Why might the finish (paint, polish, or texture) of a sculpture be important?
Q5.Which of these materials would be best if you wanted a mould that could capture fine detail and be used more than once?
Q6.Why might an artist choose to use casting instead of carving directly into stone or wood?
To help you plan your 11 art and design lesson on: Casting methods: reproducing and enhancing sculptures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 art and design lesson on: Casting methods: reproducing and enhancing sculptures, 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 4 art and design lessons from the 3D Design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.