Nature + Animals – Clay Projects (Division I)

Bird’s Nest

Students get a chance to examine several different bird’s nests before building their own version of a clay nest, complete with several tiny eggs and a bird on a branch.

• Grade 1 Art: Explore form and function and develop decorative styles 
• Grade 1 Science: Seasonal Changes on plants and animals 
• Grade 2 Art: Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques 
• Grade 2 Science: Examine selection of materials based on suitability, availability, and sustainability; Growth and development of plants and animals and relationship to humans 

Brilliant Butterfly

Butterflies play an important role in the pollination of flowering plants and are great indicators of climate change and habitat destruction. Students examine photographs of Alberta butterfly species before learning how to build their own symmetrical butterfly using a clay slab. 

• Pre-K Art: Respond to, explore and develop confidence through art 
• Grade 1 Art: Explore form and function and develop decorative styles 
• Grade 1 Science: Seasonal Changes on plants and animals 
• Grade 2 Art: Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques 
• Grade 2 Science: Growth and development of plants and animals and relationship to humans 

Metamorphosis

Students examine an actual butterfly and view photographs of a variety of species, including their metamorphosis, before being led step by step through the process of how to build all these different stages into one long rectangular slab of clay. Students will cut, roll coils and create all the different shapes required to complete this perfect addition to any garden. 

• Grade 1 Science: Seasonal Changes on plants and animals 
• Grade 1 Art: Explore form and function and develop decorative styles 
• Grade 2 Science: Growth and development of plants and animals and relationship to humans 
• Grade 2 Art: Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques 

Under the Sea

Using a variety of hand-building techniques, students create a clay plaque depicting life under the ocean’s waves.  Seas and oceans have such an abundance of amazing plants and animals to discover. What kinds of creatures can you think of?  Dolphins and turtles and fish, oh my!

• Pre-K Art: Respond to, explore and develop confidence through art 
• Grade 1 Art: Explore form and function and develop decorative styles 
• Grade 2 Art: Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques

Great Horned Owl

Did you know there are close to 40 different species of owl in North America and the Great Horned Owl has been chosen as Alberta’s provincial bird? Students learn to sculpt one specific species of owl.

• Grade 3 Art: Use art to express feelings and ideas; look closely and focus on improvement 
• Grade 3 Social: Alberta’s official symbols 

Frogs and Toads

Students examine photos of frogs and toads before discussing their differences and similarities. They are shown step by step, how to make a lily pad shape for their chosen frog or toad to rest upon.

• Pre-K Art: Respond to, explore and develop confidence through art
• Grade 1 Science: Seasonal Changes on plants and animals
• Grade 1 Art: Explore form and function and develop decorative styles
• Grade 2 Science: Growth and development of plants and animals & relationship to humans
• Grade 2 Art: Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques 

Ladybug

Students will examine images of ladybugs and learn the stages of metamorphosis from egg to larva then pupa and adult. Step by step, students are shown how to turn a clay slab into a leaf before rolling clay balls that make up a head, thorax, abdomen and protective ladybug shell.

• Pre-K Art: Respond to, explore and develop confidence through art
• Grade 1 Art: Explore form and function and develop decorative styles
• Grade 1 Science: Seasonal Changes on plants and animals
• Grade 2 Art: Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques
• Grade 2 Science: Growth and development of plants and animals and relationship to humans Lap Loom Weaving
  
  

Scheduling Requirements:
Schools must schedule a minimum of two programs on the same day with a lunch break in between. If booking three programs in one day, the school must provide a designated room for classes to rotate through for the full day. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your in-school program request if these requirements are not met.

Teacher-Provided Materials:
Teachers are responsible for providing access to water, paper towels, and desk coverings.

Clay Program Details:
All in-school and virtual clay programs use air-dry clay, which is less durable than clay bisque-fired at our visual art studios. We are unable to transport clay from in-school programs to our studios for firing. However, if your school has a kiln and a trained technician, we can supply suitable clay for firing on-site at your school.

Click here for information on in school techniques for finishing air dry clay.