Coil Pots (Rhythm)

Objective: Create a clay pot using coils.

Students will:

Apply their knowledge of proper procedures and

techniques to create an original work of art
Learn about Native American Pottery and how it is
a part of their culture
Understand the Principle of design Rhythm and
how it is used in art
Materials:

Clay, clay tools and water

Glaze
Pencil and paper
Requirements:

Must be at least 5 in tall

All coils must be Scored and Slipped
Must use techniques demonstrated by the teacher
Vocabulary:
Ceramics, Clay, Rhythm, Coil, Score and Slip, Clay tools, Greenware, Leatherhard, Bisqueware, Kiln, Glaze, Slab
and Pinch.
Estimated Time: 7 to 8 days

Steps
Step 1: Plan

Once the students have learned about Native American Pottery and their techniques, they will have to
decide how they want to construct their coil pots. Will you simply stack the coils one on top of the
others? Or will you manipulate the coils to create various textures and designs on your pot? The more
ways you come up with using the coils, the more interesting your coil pot will look.
Step 2: Practice

Students will practice how to score and slip their coils together. They will also practice constructing
their coil pots out of modeling clay to ensure that their original design plans will actually work with clay.
Step 3: Create
Roll out a slab and cut a circle for the bas of the pot. Then students will roll their coils and begin
stacking them on top of one another to create their pots. Each time you add a coil, you MUST score and
slip so that the pieces of clay will stick to each other. Once the students have finished their clay pots,
they will be fired and ready to start glazing.