Pinch Pot

Teacher: Argie Fafalios Grade Level: 9th-12th grades Functional Ceramics (Ceramics I) Standards: PA 9.1.12. A, B, C, E, F, J PA 9.2.12. A, C, D, I PA 9.3.12. A, B, D, E, G PA 9.4.12. B, C Brief History/Background:

A Pinch pot is an ancient as well as contemporary form of pottery. Many ancient cultures made them and many still make and use them in their everyday lives.

Simple clay vessels such as bowls and cups of various sizes can be formed and shaped by hand using a methodical pinching process in which the clay walls are thinned by pinching them with thumb and forefinger. It is a basic pot making method often taught to young children or beginners.

Pinch Pots are commonly found in Ancient Native American ruins.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinch_pot

Goal:

The object of this lesson is to make a pinch pot that is at least 6” x 6” in diameter and can be used as a functional piece, such as a cup, bowl, plate or other vessel that can contain some sort of substance. The students will make their vessel unique from one another by molding the shape in various ways and with the use of underglazes and glazes. Objectives: Cognitive: a) Students will become familiar with the fundamental clay hand building technique of pinching

b) Students will identify with the terms Symmetry and Asymmetry, expanding vocabularies and visual literacy. The meaning of symmetry is for the object to be balanced on all sides evenly. The meaning of asymmetry is for the object to be unevenly balanced.

c) Students will become familiar with the word craftsmanship and understand the importance of craftsmanship in creating a three dimensional form.

Psychomotor:

a) Students will create a pinch pot using clay. b) Students will become aware of the firing process in the ceramics

room. The first firing of a pot is called Bisque fire. c) Students will know that all firing is done in the Kiln. (Oven for pots) d) Students will learn that after the Bisque firing the pot is painted with

underglaze, re-fired and then glazed. Affective:

a) Students will think about and discuss their feelings in regards to pinch pot making in history.

b) Students will discuss their completed pinch pots, as well as the pinch pots of their classmates.

Requirements:

1) A drawing for your inspiration 2) A minimum 6” X 6” sized functional vessel

Resource Materials/ Visual Aides:

1) Pinch pot images from various eras and cultures 2) Brief history of pinch pot making literacy component 3) An exemplar of the assignment

Supplies/ Materials:

1) Clay 2) Water 3) Clay Tools 4) Boards 5) Glue 6) Grout 7) Pencils 8) Paper 9) Ruler

Closure: All students will clean their work area. Each student will be responsible for cleaning their tools. Critique/ Evaluation/ Assessment: The students’ pinch pots will be displayed on the table and the students will have five directed questions in relation to the assignment that they have to answer in regards to their work. The students will also be paired up and will be required to assess their partner’s pinch pots. Students will look at the craftsmanship of their pot. Students will look at the design they applied to their pots. They will look at successful areas, and suggest alternatives to unsuccessful areas. Students will also describe the glazing techniques. ** Due to clay projects requiring two different firings, grading of the final project is often a semester long process. Time Budget: Nine 90 minute class periods Vocabulary: Pattern Texture Additive method Subtractive method Color Hue Tint Tone Shade Value Intensity Safety Concerns: Some clay tools are sharp