Process
Process One: The Bad
The class will be divided into three groups: Glaze, Clay and Kiln. These groups will research dangerous materials and practices in their assigned category. Each group will then create an Excel document that will organize the information in table form. Using the spreadsheet information, the three groups will create a poster. You will have three hours to complete the exercise.
Research the listed Websites for information on your topic (Glaze, Clay, Kilns). Consider hazardous materials as well as dangerous practices. Choose a minimum of 12 facts concerning your topic.
Organize and print the 12 or more facts in an Excel spreadsheet. Include a title and the names of each group member in the header. You will have four columns with the headings: Material (or Practice), Hazards, Use, Comments (this can include alternatives, advisories or additional information) and a minimum of twelve rows, one material or practice in each row . For example one row in the clay group might read: Sweeping studio floor, Dry clay dust, Clay activity, Use a mop.
Create and print a safety poster. Decide which 2-3 facts from your spreadsheet are most important for our class. Your group will then create a 8.5 x11" poster displaying this information. It is important that the information is clearly and attractively displayed. Design your poster using PowerPoint.
If you need instruction in Excel, click on the Excel tutorial.
Click on the PowerPoint tutorial for information on how to use PowerPoint to make a poster.
Process Two: The Good
This part of the activity will stress the positive. Each group will make short 5 minute PowerPoint presentation that will emphasize health smart practices in their assigned ceramic area (Clay, Glaze, Kilns). The groups will share their presentations with the class. Before you begin, choose a ceramic artist from the listed websites (this is where the “beautiful” comes in) and fashion your presentation to reflect the unique style of that artist. You will have two hours to complete the exercise.
Click on the PowerPoint tutorial for information on how to make a presentation.
Choose an artist from the websites below. Research that artist paying attention to what makes that artist unique. Consider these points as you examine the work: What emotions are communicated through this work? What colors, forms, and textures does the artist use? What statements is the artist making? Is the artist more a functional potter, designer, or sculptor? Make a list of at least twenty adjectives that describe the artist and the work. This will be printed and turned in as a Word document.
Create a PowerPoint presentation with five slides. The title slide will include your group's topic and the names of your group members. Page 2-4 will each have 2-3 good health practices for the ceramic classroom. Page 5 will conclude the show and briefly explain the style choices your group made. Be sure to follow good copyright procedure when making your presentation.
