Health and Safety in a Ceramics Studio

When working with clay it is important to realize that many ceramic materials can pose a hazard in varying degrees to those working with them. The main potential risk is from the crystalline silica in the clay itself. While most of the silica is chemically combined with other materials, the remaining free silica can pose a risk in the form of fine airborne dust particles. It is for this reason that many of the rules of the studio are designed to keep the clay moist and our environment as dust - free as possible. We are basically breathing in tiny glass particles!

Clean Up

Art is messy, we all must work together to have a workable studio.  Be responsible and clean up after yourself!

• Put supplies away in appropriate places

• Store projects in designated location

• Clean tables sinks and counters of all materials with a spray bottle and a towel

• Wash/dry off tables

• Pick up trash on floor

Clay should never go down the sink! Clay can clog the drains!! At school, we use a bucket system to reduce the chance of clay getting down the drain. Put extra clay in the large yellow bucket.

Rubrics

In this class we have 3 catagories for grading. Performance, Project, and Tests:

Performance/Art Shows Rubric - 60% of the grade

• The Performance is your participation. Are you working on clay everyday? Are you cleaning your tools and work area well? Are you being responsible with your tools. Are you using appropriate language in class and an indoor volume while talking? These will all affect your grade the most. 

Projects/Portfolios Rubric - 30% of the grade

• The Project is your end result. Did you make a successful work of art? Did you meet the requirements of the project? Is the project functional? Did you self critique and learn from your mistakes? Even if you make a very ugly peice of art, you will still pass the class if you keep working everyday and follor the performance guidelines. 

Tests/Quizzes- 10% of the grade

• The Tests are at the end of the quarters. There will be 2 quizzes and 2 tests. Make sure you are taking notes during the lessons and paying attention.  

  • end of 1st quarter - quiz

  • end of 2nd quarter - test (this is also the end of the 1st semester)

  • end of 3rd quarter - quiz

  • end of 4th quarter - test (this is the end of the 2nd semester and the end of the school year)