Course Objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES ¢This is a semester course which introduces students to the magic of clay. Students will have the opportunity to explore the properties of the medium expressed through both functional and decorative ware.  ¢Each student will experience the three basic handbuilding methods, the basics of the wheel, various surface decoration techniques and the glazing and firing of all completed pieces. COURSE LEARNING GOALS By the end of this course students will:         ¢Know the three ceramic handbuilding techniques: Pinch, Coil, Slab & how to construct something using these techniques         ¢Know how to use the glazes using the pour and dip technique         ¢Know how to use the wheel - from set up, centering, shaping and trimming to clean up         ¢Know ceramic terms and vocabulary that are pertinent to the ceramics works and workings of the ceramics studio         ¢Know their way around the ceramics studio independently RULES OF THE CERAMICS STUDIO ¢Be On Time-This class begins when the bell rings. If tardiness is a continual problem you will be given after school detention. ¢Show Respect-In a studio classroom setting, like this one, it is of great importance that you show respect for other students in the class, the instructor,the equipment and supplies, the room, and yourself. Any time you leave the ceramics room you should ask first, then sign out by the door. ¢Be here, keep up with deadlines, help each other. CLEAN UP ¢This is the most important part of our day. It is each students’ responsibility to take care of their own things, organize their work and maintain the room that they work in. ¢Ceramics is a messy class, dust accumulates in the room and on the tables. We need to work together to keep the room clean. Specific areas are assigned for students to store their work and cleaning. ¢Failure to clean your area will result in detention where students will come after school and clean. HEALTH AND SAFETY ¢Though inhalation of dust of any of our clay or glaze materials is unhealthy and all clay materials, especially silica can damage your lungs; we have not had anyincidents here at the high school with any students or teachers. This is due to our thorough cleaning strategies and policies.  Therefore thoroughly cleaning all wheels, tables, tools andequipment after use and washing up any spills, splatters or trimmings that land on the floor is extremely important. ¢There is no eating or drinking in the ceramics studio due to possible ingestion of dust in the room. ¢Wet clay is a good medium for mold growth and bacterial incubation. People with specific types of mold allergies may be affected. Make sure you wash your hands well after working with the clay. ¢There is absolutely no throwing clay in the ceramics studio. ¢All book bags should be put underneath the tables in the cabinets. ¢There is no running in the studio. ¢There is no squirting others with the water bottles. ¢No one wants to spend precious studio time taking care of someone else’s forgotten or ignored responsibility.  Let’s all do our fair share so that we may thrive together in creative harmony.