Ceramic Art Lesson Clay Unicorn Art Project Ceramics Art Activity Sculpture

In this Ceramic Unicorn Art Lesson, students learn how to make ceramic unicorn sculptures using pinch building methods. They combine pinch building with decorative methods, using a variety of processes, materials, tools and techniques.

The lesson comes with a visual and text step-by-step (each step on its own page with a description), a lesson plan, a rubric, a finished example and a student step-by-step handout. Please note that the lesson demonstrates how to build only. You can glaze, underglaze or paint the pieces however suits your classroom, since finishing is a separate process and every classroom has different resources and budgets.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• About the Product, an introduction to the project with learning objectives, hand-building techniques and creative exploration
• Lesson Plan (2 pages) covering materials, learning outcomes, instructional goals and "Teacher Does/Student Does" steps
• Bulletin Board Sign for displaying finished sculptures
• 4 Ways to Finish Ceramic Art Pieces Handout, a reference guide to finishing techniques
• Artist Reflection Worksheet for student self-assessment
• Artist Statement Template and Assessment
• Ceramic Unicorn Step-by-Step Handout (2 pages), a printable "How to Build" guide covering construction, scoring, slipping and joining
• Art Piece Demonstration Step-by-Step (30 slides), an image-supported walkthrough of the sculpting and assembling process
• Example of Completed Art Piece to show students before they begin
• Rubric for Art Piece assessing craftsmanship, creativity, construction and lesson objectives
• Ceramic Art Reflection Page for self-assessment and teacher feedback

HOW TO USE IT

Look over the lesson plan first and gather the materials in advance. Then either project the step-by-step pages from the PDF for students to follow, show them under a document camera, or use them as your own guide while you demonstrate. You may want to make a sample yourself first so you can help students later.

Print the completed example in color to show students what they are making before the lesson, and photocopy the student handouts, such as the step-by-steps and rubric. Every step includes both a visual and a text description.

MATERIALS

• Step-by-step handouts for students
• Your choice of clay (typically firing clay)
• Wood tools
• Paper towel
• A scoring tool such as a plastic fork
• Rubber ribs, metal tools, stamps and similar tools

FAQ

What building method does this lesson use?

Pinch building, combined with decorative methods. Students also practice scoring, slipping and joining.

Does it cover glazing or painting?

No. The lesson demonstrates how to build only. The included 4 Ways to Finish Ceramic Art Pieces Handout explains different finishing options so you can choose what works with your resources.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

Can I show the steps to my class?

Yes. You can project the step-by-step pages from the PDF or show them under a document camera.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Any clip art may be used as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: share this product with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic