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Year 8 Ceramics Lesson Plan: Candle Light Lamp Designs
Year 8 Ceramics Lesson Plan: Candle Light Lamp Designs
Subject: Ceramics
Grade Level: Year 8
Topic: Candle Light Lamp Designs
Duration: 2 x 50-minute lessons
Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, students will explore the basics of ceramics by designing and creating their own candle light lamps. This project will combine functional art with creativity, focusing on both design and craftsmanship. Students will learn to handle clay, plan a functional piece, and apply basic glazing techniques.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
Understand the principles of ceramic design and functionality.
Design and create a candle light lamp focusing on Shape, texture and pattern.
Use a range of tools to shape, texture, and carve designs into their clay lamp.
Apply glaze techniques to enhance their design and functionality.
Relect on the process of designing functional art.
Materials Needed:
Materials Needed:
Clay (stoneware)
Clay tools (ribs, rolling pins, carving tools, sponges, etc.)
Lamp bases (optional, if creating an electric version of the lamp)
candle (if making traditional candle holders)
Glaze (variety of colours)
Water containers for wetting clay
Modeling wire (to cut clay)
Slip (liquid clay for joining pieces)
Pencils/pens for sketching
Plastic bags (for covering unfinished work)
Aprons (for protection)
Lesson Breakdown:
Lesson Breakdown:
Lesson 1: Introduction to Ceramic Lamp Design
Introduction (10 minutes):
Discussion: Begin by discussing the purpose and function of a candle light lamp. Show examples of various candle lamp designs, focusing on the creative aspects (shape, texture, form) and the functional aspects (support for the candle, space for the flame, heat-resistant properties).
Activity:
Sketching and Planning of design: Have students sketch their initial ideas for their candle light lamps. Encourage them to think about the shape, form, and any decorative elements they might want to include (such as perforations for light to shine through, organic textures, or geometric patterns).
Produce some research based drawings on organic textures, or geometric patterns. Use Ipads for research.
Draw 3 to 4 ideas for the shape of the lamp.
Lesson 2: learning how to use and join clay coils to create the ceramic lamp
Clay Preparation:
Distribute clay and allow students to begin rolling out slabs or preparing coils. Guide them in the creation of a simple lamp form, such as a small cylindrical or box-like structure that can hold a candle safely.
Instruct students to add texture and pattern to their designs, either by using tools or carving into the clay. Look at their chosen design in their sketchbook. Chose 1 of your 4 designs.
Remind students to leave an opening at the top or side to place the candle.
Check in with students as they work, offering help with technique or adjustments to ensure the form will be functional.
Clean-up (10 minutes):
Instruct students to clean their workstations, tools, and any leftover clay scraps.
Lesson 3: Firing, Glazing, Final Touches, and Reflection
Introduction (10 minutes):
Discussion: Begin by talking about glazing and how it can affect both the aesthetics and functionality of the lamp. Demonstrate the glazing process (using brushes or dipping) and discuss how the glaze adds colour, texture, and protection to the piece.
Safety Note: Remind students that when working with glazes, safety and cleanliness are important. Students should never eat or drink near the materials.
Activity:
Glazing:
Once students’ lamp structures are dry enough, guide them in the glazing process. They can choose from a variety of glaze colours and textures. Emphasize that they should consider the effect of the glaze on the final product.
Students should apply at least two layers of glaze, allowing drying time between layers.
Encourage students to add final touches such as carved designs, patterns, or additional decorative elements that will enhance the appearance of the lamp.
Reflection and Clean-up (10 minutes):
After glazing, students will reflect on their work. Ask questions such as:
How did your design change from the first sketch to the final piece?
What challenges did you face while working with clay, and how did you overcome them?
How do you think your design will look once the glaze is fired?
Collect the completed lamps for firing.
Assessment:
Assessment:
Formative Assessment:
Observe student participation in the design and making process.
Offer feedback on the creativity and functionality of their designs, making sure each lamp is stable and will work with a candle (or light source).
Check that students are following safe practices when handling materials.
Summative Assessment:
Evaluate the final ceramic pieces based on:
Creativity and originality in design.
Craftsmanship (smoothness, neatness, evenness of glaze).
Functionality (whether the lamp could hold a candle or light source safely).
Reflection (depth of thought in their self-reflection and design choices).
Extension:
Extension:
Additional Skills: Produce an observational drawing of the final lamp.
Art History: Discuss famous ceramic artists and their use of ceramics in functional art, such as Isamu Noguchi or Clarice Cliff.
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