### Lesson Plan: Sculpture and Ceramics for 4th Grade
#### Objective:
Students will be introduced to the basics of sculpture and ceramics, including historical context, techniques, and hands-on activities to create their own 3D artworks.
#### Materials:
- Air-dry clay
- Modeling tools (plastic knives, toothpicks, etc.)
- Water containers
- Rolling pins
- Textured items (lace, leaves, etc.)
- Acrylic paint and brushes
- Newspaper or plastic table covers
- Plastic cups for stands
- Examples of sculptures and ceramics from different cultures (images or physical objects)
- Visual aids (charts or project slides)
#### Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1: Participate in collaborative discussions.
- National Core Arts Standards: VA:Cr1.2.4a - Develop and/or visually communicate design ideas for media arts productions.
#### Duration:
2 sessions, each 60 minutes.
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### Session 1: Introduction and Creating Basic Forms
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Start with an engaging discussion about what sculpture and ceramics are, including their significance in various cultures and history.
- Show examples of famous sculptures and ceramics from different cultures (e.g., Greek pottery, African clay figures).
**2. Demonstration (15 minutes)**
- Demonstrate basic techniques for working with clay: rolling, pinching, and coil-making.
- Show how to use tools and everyday items to add texture and detail.
**3. Hands-On Activity (30 minutes)**
- Students will select one technique demonstrated (pinch pot, coil pot, or simple figure).
- Distribute clay and tools and allow students to start creating their forms.
- Circulate the room, offering guidance and support as needed.
**4. Closing Discussion (5 minutes)**
- Students will clean up their work areas.
- Have students place their pieces on plastic cups to air dry.
- Recap what was learned and ask students how they felt about working with clay.
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### Session 2: Adding Details and Painting
**1. Review and Introduction to Painting (10 minutes)**
- Briefly review what was covered in the last session.
- Introduce the next steps: finishing details and painting their dried sculptures.
- Discuss the importance of color in sculpture and ceramics, and how it can change the feeling or meaning of a piece.
**2. Demonstration (10 minutes)**
- Demonstrate how to paint on clay, starting with a base coat and adding finer details.
- Show how to blend colors and use small brushes for intricate parts.
**3. Hands-On Activity (30 minutes)**
- Students will first finish detailing their sculptures with carving tools if needed.
- Distribute paint and brushes.
- Students will paint their sculptures, using the techniques demonstrated.
**4. Gallery Walk (5 minutes)**
- Once painted pieces are done, set them on display for a mini "gallery walk."
- Allow students to walk around and view each other's work, giving positive feedback.
**5. Clean Up and Reflection (5 minutes)**
- Students clean up their workspace.
- Have a short reflective discussion on what they enjoyed most and what they found challenging.
- Encourage students to think about sculptures and ceramics they see in everyday life.
#### Assessment:
- Participation in class discussions.
- Completion of a pinch pot, coil pot, or simple figure.
- Creativity shown in finishing and painting their sculptures.
- Reflective comments during the gallery walk.
#### Extension Activity:
- Students can research a famous sculptor or ceramic artist and present a short report to the class.
- Plan a field trip to a local museum to view sculptures and ceramics first-hand, or a virtual museum tour.
#### Differentiation:
- Provide additional support and simplified instructions for students who need it.
- Offer advanced students the opportunity to create more complex forms or to work on larger collaborative pieces.
By the end of these sessions, students will have a foundational understanding of sculpture and ceramics, experience working with clay, and a finished piece of art to take home and display.