Elementary

Alice, Nolan, and Lucy.

The Essential Questions
Why and how would an artist create an imaginary setting?

Objective
Students will create a clay island featuring at least one organic shape, three types of lines, one body of water, and one type of landform.

Materials
sketch paper, pencils, clay, assorted mark-making tools, water cups for slip, placemats, assorted tempera paints, egg cartons for mixing paints, paintbrushes

Procedures
1. Share a slideshow presentation about different bodies of water and landforms.
2. Demonstrate creating a sketch for studentsʼ clay islands. Use at least one organic shape for the outline of the island, three types of lines, one body of water, and one landform. If students have time, they can color their sketches and add labels.
3. Distribute clay, placemats, assorted mark-making tools, and water cups for slip. Demonstrate creating the island by first rolling a ball of clay, flattening it, and carving away a shape. Then show students how to score and slip various details for the island.
4. Students have the remainder of class to create their islands. Bisque-fire the finished clay pieces for next class period.
5. Return students’ fired clay pieces. Demonstrate mixing colors with tempera paint if needed. Students can use egg cartons to mix the paints and create unique colors for their islands.

Assessment
Did students use at least one organic shape, three types of lines, one body of water, and one landform?

Emily Thaler is an art teacher at Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland.