STEAM -Form to Function: The Art and Use of Ceramics

Meet The Teacher: Sadie Figueroa

I am an elementary art teacher at Goulds Elementary in Miami, Florida, where I inspire young artists to explore their creativity despite limited resources as a Title I school. Currently, our kiln is not working and students have not had the full ceramics experience, yet. As a member of the Ceramic League of Miami, I am passionate about ceramics!

Project Description

Students will explore the five stages of clay- greenware, leather hard, bone dry, bisque, and glazeware- by measuring and recording changes in weight and appearance. Through STEAM integration, they will use technology to document observations, apply engineering skills to create functional ceramic objects, and compare art with utility.

Materials

  • EM-100 Clay
  • Wooden clay tools
  • Sponges
  • Manual pottery wheels
  • Stroke & Coat underglazes
  • Clear glaze
  • SKUTT Kiln
Download Material List

Grade Level

Elementary School

Difficulty

Easy

Student Hands-On Time

1 hour

Teacher Prep Time

1 hour and 30 minutes

Project Cost / Cost Per Student

20

National Core Arts Standards - Visual Arts

  • Creating - Organize and develop artistic work.
  • Presenting - Select, analyze, and interpret works for presentation.
  • Responding - Interpret intent and meaning in artwork.
  • Connecting - Connect personal experiences with artmaking and meaning.

21st Century Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
  • Creativity & Innovation

STEAM Education

  • Arts

Differentiations and Accommodations

Differentiation

IEP

Accommodation

Provide pre-measured clay for students who need motor skill support.

Differentiation

IEP

Accommodation

Use digital tools for measurement if students struggle with manual measuring.

Differentiation

IEP

Accommodation

Allow verbal or visual reflections instead of written responses for students who need alternatives.

Formative Assessment

Observations during clay handling and measuring. Student recordings of changes in weight, texture, and appearance. Peer discussions on function vs. art.

Summative Assessment

Completed ceramic piece with accurate recorded data. Written reflection analyzing materials transformation. Small group discussion on the role of ceramics in daily life.

Reflection and Discussion

How did your ceramic object change throughout the process? What surprised you about the transformation of clay? How do artists and scientists both study materials and their properties?

Lesson Activities

STEAM Expo: Next Generation Innovators: Shaping Tomorrow Through STEAM: From Form to Function- The Artistry and Utility of Ceramics

Students will be able to identify differences between artworks and utilitarian objects by designing a ceramic object or sculpture that serves a function.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Introduce the five stages of clay with visuals and real examples.

Step 2

Guide students in measuring and recording their clay’s weight, texture, and dimensions before shaping.

Step 3

Assist students in forming their functional ceramic pieces.

Step 4

Set pieces aside to dry and have students document daily changes.

Step 5

Fire the pieces and have students record post-bisque changes.

Step 6

Apply glaze, discuss expected results, and record observations.

Step 7

After final firing, compare all recorded data and discuss findings.

Step 8

Conclude with reflections on the relationship between art, function, and science.

Additional Documents

Document 1