Slab Heart Box

Meet The Teacher: Amanda Zapp

Hello, I am Amanda Zapp, I teach ceramics at Porter High School. I love teaching art!

Project Description

In this project, students will design and construct a functional ceramic heart-shaped box using slab-building techniques. Students will explore how form, proportion, and surface design contribute to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

Materials

  • Clay
  • Glaze
  • Heart box template
Download Material List

Grade Level

High School

Difficulty

Easy

Student Hands-On Time

405 min (6 - 45 minute classes introducing, planning, building and 3 - 45 minute classes from glazing and reflecting)

Teacher Prep Time

10 min

Project Cost / Cost Per Student

2

National Core Arts Standards - Visual Arts

  • Creating - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas.
  • Creating - Organize and develop artistic work.
  • Creating - Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work.
  • Responding - Evaluate and critique based on aesthetic and technical qualities.
  • Connecting - Relate artistic ideas to historical, cultural, and social contexts.
  • Connecting - Connect personal experiences with artmaking and meaning.

21st Century Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Social & Cross-Cultural Skills
  • Productivity & Accountability

STEAM Education

  • Arts

Differentiations and Accommodations

Differentiation

Advanced Learners

Accommodation

What else can you create using slabs?

Learning Objectives: Knowledge

Students will understand the importance of proportions, smooth joints, and surface textures, and how to maintain a project's structural integrity while building. 

Learning Objectives: Skills

Students will be able to construct using the slab method. 

Learning Objectives: Attitudes/Values

Students will have the opportunity to express their creativity by creating a surface design using their own original ideas. They will be focusing on form and texture to bring their designs to life.

Formative Assessment

Check for understanding along the way. Ask the class as a whole if they have any questions about slab building. Ask how to attach slabs together (score and slip).

Summative Assessment

Grade the final project using a rubric. 50% Following Instructions, 25% Craftsmanship, 25% Creativity.

Reflection and Discussion

Daily discussion:

  • What was the most challenging part of constructing your heart box today?
  • Did your lid fit correctly? If not, how will you adjust it next session?
Written Reflection:1. What was the most challenging part of constructing your heart box? 2. Which techniques helped strengthen your box, and why were they important? 3. How does your design show attention to both aesthetics and functionality? 4. What do you like most about your project? 5. What is one thing you would change about your project?

Lesson Activities

Introduction

Introduce slab building. I usually do this project around Valentine's day, you can include SEL and social/cultural references. I end the introduction day by having students sketch their ideas for their heart box surface design.

Slab Heart-Box Making

1. Teach students how to use a rolling pin and/or slab rolling table to create slabs. Make slabs. Smooth slabs. Cut the heart box shapes from the template. 2. Attach slab pieces together by scoring and slipping. 3. Add a coil flange to the lid. 4. Add design details to the surface of the heart box by adding clay elements and subtracting (carving). 5. Allow the project to dry before firing.Allow 4-5 (45-minute classes) for building and designing bozes.

Glazing

After the bisque firing, glaze the heart-shaped boxes. Allow 3 (45-minute) classes for glazing.

Reflection

Have students answer the following reflection questions (2-3 complete sentences each): 1. What was the most challenging part of constructing your heart box? 2. Which techniques helped strengthen your box, and why were they important? 3. How does your design show attention to both aesthetics and functionality? 4. What do you like most about your project? 5. What is one thing you would change about your project?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Teach students how to use a rolling pin and/or slab rolling table to create slabs. Make slabs. Smooth slabs. Cut the heart box shapes from the template.

Step 2

Attach the slab pieces by scoring and slipping.

Step 3

Add a coil flange to the lid.

Step 4

Add design details to the surface of the heart box by adding clay elements and subtracting (carving).

Step 5

Allow the project to dry before firing.

Additional Documents

Document 1

Document 2