7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

1/17

Introduction to basic glazing, Raku

and pit firing techniques

Level: 6th to 8th grade

Various curricular integration

Social Studies: Native Americans

& Ancient Cultures

Science: Chemistry & Temperature

Lesson Plan by Noreen Strehlow

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

2/17

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

3/17

Students will learn that slips and terra sigillatas go on leather-hard clay which must

be bone dry before bisque firing

Students will learn that bisque fired pieces can be underglazed and glazed and thencone fired

Leather-hard

The condition of a clay

body when much of the

moisture has evaporated

and shrinkage has just

ended, but the clay is not

totally dry. Carving,

burnishing, or joining slabs

are often done at this

stage.

Bone Dry

Clay that has the moisture

completely evaporated. It

can no longer be scored

and slipped without

compromising the strengthof the piece.

Bisque

Clay that has been fired toa state hard enough for

glazing

Slip

Clay suspended in water.

When it is a yogurt

consistency it can be used

to join pieces with scoring.

When a cream

consistency with a

coloring agent added itcan be painted on leather-

hard pieces and

burnished.

Greenware

Unfired pottery or

sculpture.

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

4/17

Students will learn about the Raku processStudents will learn that special glazes need to be used for Raku

Students will learn that the Raku process creates very unique effects

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

5/17

Students will learn that protective clothing must be wornStudents will learn that sandals are NOT proper protective foot covering!!

Students will learn that it gets really, really hot around the Raku kiln

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

6/17

Students will learn that the Raku process is faster than cone firing piecesStudents will learn that the Raku process is a very exciting sensory

experience

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

7/17

Students will learn that you need to set up a sand pit with buckets for the pieces

when they come out of the kiln after firing

Students will learn that after being put in the sand with shredded paper, etc. for15 min., the pieces are then immersed into water to complete the Raku process

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

8/17

Students will learn that after 15 min. under the buckets, the pieces will be

immersed in water to complete the Raku process

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

9/17

Students will learn that you often get unexpected results withRaku

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

10/17

Students will learn that you can also pit fire bisque piecesStudents will learn that you use terra sigilatta for best results in the pit fireStudents will learn that the pit fire is a slow but relatively inexpensive processStudents will learn that a garbage can, paper, branches, leaves, and even trashcan be used for a pit fire

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

11/17

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

12/17

Students will learn that you must watch a pit fire carefully

Students will learn that pit firing is a slow process, depending on the size of the pit

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

13/17

Students will learn that pit fired pieces have a very rugged, blackenedlook

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

14/17

Students will learn about electric and gas kilns used for bisque and conefiring

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

15/17

Students will learn that leather hard pieces can be stained and scratched into(Scrafitto)Students will learn that leather hard pieces can be scratched into and have stainrubbed into the grooves. (Machina)Students will learn that underglazes and glazes can be added to bisque pieces

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

16/17

Students will learn that the shiny smooth look is achieved in cone firingStudents will learn that the glazes flux in the heat, forming a glassy surface

Students will learn that often results are not what they expected

7/27/2019 basicceramics3-1221774859921533-9

17/17

Students will learn that the shiny smooth look is achieved in cone firingStudents will learn that the glazes flux in the heat, forming a glassy surface

Students will learn that often results are not what they expected