INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS

Richardson Middle School

Welcome to ceramics! Of all the classes offered at Richardson Middle School, I think this one will be the most fun! Over the next quarter, we will explore the world of ceramics by making a whole range of ceramic objects, both utilitarian and artistic, in order to learn about our world and the things in it. Here are some of the objectives of our time together:

Projects: We will make a wide variety of ceramic objects, having both artistic and utilitarian merit-

Processes: We will learn about clay, firing, methods of making clay projects, glazing, and the many other things related to the realm of ceramics-

Origins: We will study the history of ceramics by looking at ancient archaeological finds and how they were used by ancient peoples-

Methods: We will learn how to make many of the tools we use in the making of ceramic objects and use our self-made tools in class to create our own projects, and we will be active participants with one another to make this class a success.

Methodology:

(methodology is just a big fat word that means "how we do things")

One thing which must be insisted on when working in ceramics is safety. The rules and guidelines will be explained for our time together and we will work together to make a safe working environment.

When working with clay and the ceramic process, you as the student will need to be an active participant in order to make this class a good experience. Many of the materials require careful handling in order to make your projects successful, so you must listen carefully to instructions, watch and learn about the care and handling of the materials we use in the classroom.

This class is unlike most of your other classes, and will require you to think a bit differently. Instead of taking bits of information and putting them together to form something in your head or on a sheet of paper, we are going to take real materials and turn them into something you have made yourself, to hold in your hand and look at and touch and have with you for a long time. You will keep all the projects you have made.

GRADING:

These are the methods by which your efforts will be graded in this class:

1) Following directions: If you do nothing else here in this class but follow directions, you will get an A. All of the projects we will do as well as everything else that takes place in our classroom will require you to follow directions in order to make success happen. If you are not listening and miss a step in the process or miss a day, you may unfortunately have to go back to the beginning and start over again. As with other classes, you are responsible for making up your own missed work.

2) Classroom and work area cleanliness: We are borrowing this classroom for a short time, and we will have to return it in good condition. There will be specific directions on how this will be done. See #1 above.

3) Projects: We will make several projects during the course of our class, and each will have specific directions on how they will be made. There will be lots of room for your own creativity to be expressed, and I will help and encourage you to explore the huge number of creative possibilities. Completing the assigned projects on time and using the proper methods will earn you a good grade, plus, you get to keep everything you make! See #1 above.

4) Participation: There will be a number of common tasks that we will all share in order to have order as we do our claywork. These tasks will be assigned or chosen as needed, and your participation in them will be observed and graded, much like your other classes. We have a full classroom, and in order to have order, participation group efforts like cleanup and other tasks is a must. See #1 above.

Discipline: All school rules will be in effect during this course, including those of proper and modest attire. A Richardson Middle School Student Handbook will be available for you to review if you are unaware of these school rules and guidelines. If, however, you make the choice not to follow the rules and guidelines or find yourself causing problems or interfering with the affairs or projects of any other student, you will not participate in the activities of this elective class.