Noack/2006 Clay 2
Clay 2 is a Fine Arts course that focuses on “fine-tuning” skills, techniques and aesthetics of Clay/Ceramics. As with ALL visual art courses, the study of Clay is a discipline that includes creating, understanding its history, as well as critiquing one’s own work, and the works of others.
Essential Question:
How does learning about well-known Ceramists and/or a variety of Clay styles/techniques from other cultures influence your work?
Content Standards
The following is a list that describes what students should know or be able to do in
Clay 2 by the end of the semester:
Art History
Understand and develop an appreciation for famous or well-known Clay artists/ceramists/cultures
Create a series of clay work which demonstrate the influence of another’s culture or work ....a strong characteristic, style or technique.
Technical Skills
Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
properties of clay and the need to recycle
construction techniques of hand building and throwing clay
technical skills in decorating and glazing clay
Creative Problem-Solving
Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
knowledge of visual composition and how it relates to 3-D forms
identifying and using elements of design
solving problems creatively - the ability to communicate an idea visually, clearly and effectively...identify and describe the purpose
Reasoning/Thinking Skills
develop goals for the semester in terms of creative and technical skills
document and/or record evidence of growth and progress
become proficient at discussing and explaining your work, using correct vocabulary in oral and written critiques/presentations
Materials/Lab Fees
$15.00 lab fee will be collected to help share the cost of clay, glazes and under glazes
Process Standards (Work Habits)
The following are skills students will develop to enhance the process of learning.
Students will:
Use time wisely and productively.
Attend class on a regular basis.
Come to class on time, prepared, with necessary materials.
Keep a sketchbook, documenting progress/improvement throughout the year.
Show responsible care of materials and contribute to clean up in the classroom.
Provide constructive criticism when discussing artwork.
Participate in small group discussions and work effectively with others.
Maintain a positive attitude and put forth their best possible effort.
Materials
Pencils - Bring to class on a daily basis
Sketchbook(9x12) - spiral bound is preferable
Visual Arts Grading System
Everything we do in class contributes in some way to your overall grade. There are three ways in which I collect EVIDENCE OF STUDENT LEARNING (valid, reliable, evaluation of student learning is gathered over time through a variety of ways):
Observation - What I observe during class about each student's process of learning;
Conversations with Students - What students observe, articulate, and show about their learning and understanding;
Student Work - What students demonstrate about they know and are able to do.
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All assignments/projects are based on meeting the standards or essential learning for the course and are graded on a 4 point scale. 4 is at the top , 1 is at the bottom. Specific criteria and rubrics are given to students for all major assignments, so they are clear how to be successful. When entered into the on-line grade book, the 4 point system is “translated” into the following 100 point scale:
Exceptional, Extraordinary Work (when merited) 4++=100
Exceeds the Standard 4=97
3.5=94
Meets the Standard 3=90
2.5=87
Approaching the Standard 2=83
1.5=79
Does Not Meet the Standard 1=76
**This translation scale is borrowed and adapted from Robert Marzano, author of several educational text books.**
Our Curriculum in the Visual Arts is standards-based and the 4 point scale is what works well to communicate a student’s demonstration of knowledge. However, the software that we use for our on-line grade book is designed using the 100 point grading system, therefore a translation scale from 4 points to 100 points is necessary.
Your final grade will reflect your demonstration and growth in meeting the Content Standards (see attached). Each area may be weighted differently. Work habits will be noted on a weekly basis; I will be looking for trends.
Make-up Policy
If you are sick and not in school the day an assignment is due, it is due the first day you return to school. Remember it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me, concerning what you missed when you were not in school. Under extraordinary circumstances, please contact me asap, so that together, we can make a plan to get caught up and turn in or modify missing work.
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