Clay Coil Pot
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Subject Area: Visual Art | Grade Level: 9
Lesson Length: 2 hours
Keywords/Tags: Visual Art, Clay, Ceramics, Coil Pot
Lesson Description: In this lesson, students will learn how to construct a clay coil pot. This will include the step-by-step process of coil pot construction, including how to roll clay coils and adhere the coils together to produce a pot.

  • Other VAHSCR.CR.1 Visualize and generate ideas for creating works of art VAHSCR.CR.3 Engage in an array of processes, media, techniques, and technology through experimentation, practice, and persistence.
Video : How to Construct a Coil Pot
Instructions: Please watch the following video as many times as needed before starting to go through other lesson pages. Understanding the content of the video is very important since the lesson activities will be all about this video content. Pay close attention to the step-by-step process regarding the construction of the clay coil pot. Remember that each of these steps must be implemented in order for the coil pot to be constructed successfully.
Quiz : Clay Coil Pot Video
Instructions: Please complete this quiz by choosing the correct answer for each question. You can take this quiz as many times needed.
Question #1
During the first step of making a coil, you want to use a large chunk of clay.
Question #2
The artist in the video described the process of creating a coil. Please write a few sentences explaining the process that was discussed.
Question #3

As you are constructing a coil, you should _________________.

Question #4

How much should the clay rotate in order to make a successful coil?

Question #5
When constructing a coil pot, you want to start from the bottom and work your way up.
Question #6

In the video, what does the artist use for the base of her coil pot?

Question #7

When smoothing the coils together, you should use a ___________________.

Question #8
If you are adhering soft clay together, you must still score and slip to adhere the clay properly.
Question #9
Using a few sentences, describe some of the design ideas that the artist implemented in the video.
Question #10
When you are done with the coil pot, you must be sure to add features such as a rim so the final artwork looks complete.
Resources : History of Clay and the Process of Building Ceramics
Instructions: Please see additional external resources below. Feel free visit each link to learn more about this lesson.
The Real Dirt About Clay
Where does clay come from? How is geology related to clay and the process of constructing ceramics? This video will give an in-depth explanation regarding where clay comes from and how it is processed to create successful ceramic artworks.
How It's Made Clay
This video discusses the system by which clay is extracted from the earth and processed to be used for building ceramics.
How to Make Coil Pots-5 Great Coil Pottery Techniques
This link will go over different techniques that can be used to construct a coil pot.