Clay Sculpting Lesson Plans

Students explore some of the components of sculpture through a variety of artists and their artwork. The six lessons of this unit utilize the sculptures experienced when students were studying American history and the Native Americans.

Eighth graders examine various 20th century artists and their sculptures. They view and analyze slides, compare/contrast the artists' styles, and create an original sculpture.

Students create power figures. In this visual arts activity, students design and build their own sculptures that replicate those made by the Songye in Zaire, Africa.

Young scholars sculpt clay letters. In this Keith Haring art instructional activity, students view a video interview of the artist, design their own clay sculpture, and display during a class "gallery walk". 

Students explore art history by conducting an in-class activity. In this sculpting lesson, students examine previously created art sculptures in a textbook. Students utilize clay, sculpting tools and grey paper to create their own personal sculptures.

Students compare the characteristics of a fired porcelain sculpture to the clay used to create it. They discuss the physical and chemical changes that occur in the clay as it is heated and then create their own clay sculpture. This lesson includes modifications for several grade levels.

Students explore the work of Ruth Asawa. In this visual arts lesson, students watch a video segment about artist Ruth Asawa, study images of her sculptures, and create their own woven sculptures.

Students create 3 dimensional art. In this sculpture lesson, students collect objects that represent their community's values to include in a 3 dimensional sculpture. Students write a paragraph explaining the chosen theme of their sculpture and work in groups to create a tableau with a "frozen body pose." Factual information about sculpture is included.

Discuss the different types of signature seals with your class. After talking about the types of signature seals and their purposes, learners create their own out of clay. This is a great way to combine social studies and art objectives into one activity.

Students examine different cultures while making doll sculptures. Using tinfoil, they make the doll, paint them and give them hair and props related to that specific culture. They also compare and contrast different dolls as they review the cultures.