Student Work |
by Mary
Ann McGinley
Entering
into the winter months, my students and I long for the appearance of snow! In
Tennessee, the elusive wintry flakes are a rare and always welcome surprise. Capturing this excitement and mixing it with
a little scientific background, my students and I enjoy learning about snow
crystals by creating clay relief sculptures and transforming them into mugs
ready for some hot chocolate.
Student Work |
Science/Art
Connection
In
science class, students discover that all matter is composed of individual
atoms. In art class, we then look at snow crystals and learn about their atomic
structure. Students learn that dust particles high up in the clouds are coated
with hydrogen and oxygen atoms forming water, which then freezes. As the water
molecules freeze, they take the form of microscopic hexagons, creating crystals
around the dust particle.
Student Work |
The
crystalline structure grows larger and larger as further water molecules attach
to the surface and freeze. This process continues until the snowflake is heavy
enough to fall to the ground. Depending on the temperature at which the snow
crystals form, they take the shape of rods, needles, plates, or feathery stars.
Drawings are carved into Soft-Kut blocks. |
Design
Students
next use this information to look at microscopic examples of actual snow
crystals. They each do an observational pencil drawing of one they select,
capturing the minute details of each individual crystal. Students transfer their
pencil drawings onto a Soft-Kut block for carving. (A Soft-Kut block is a
linoleum-like block that is much softer and easier for students to carve
designs into than linoleum.) The drawing is placed face down onto the block and
transferred by rubbing with firm, gentle pressure. Students then use carving
tools to create a relief and bring their snow crystals to life.
Working with Clay
Students
each roll out half-inch thick clay slabs with a rolling pin, using a pair of
wooden slats to maintain the desired thickness. The Soft-Kut block is then pressed
into the clay slab, leaving the impression of the snow crystal in relief. Students
next use a rectangular template to cut out a slab that will form the cylindrical
shape of a mug, centering the impression. Then, students carefully wrap their
clay slabs around empty paper-covered soda cans to fit. They score and seal up
the seams of the clay where the two sides meet around the can.
Using
additional clay, students each attach a bottom and handle to their cylinder of
clay, taking care to score and smooth the seams to make them watertight. After drying
and a first bisque fire, the mugs are ready for glazing. Students learn about
the chemical reactions and color changes glazes go through during the firing
process and then select their own color combinations of glaze. We used glazes
that contained special crystals for added bursts of color.
Clay slabs are molded around empty cans. |
A pattern the size of a flattened out can is used to cut the clay slab. |
Reflections
In
this lesson, I always observe a special excitement as students become aware
of the vast diversity of the microscopic images of snow crystals. Students
also enjoy experimenting with familiar art techniques in new and different ways,
such as using linoleum-type block carving for “printing” onto clay instead of
paper.
Slabs are rolled out with guides to maintain thickness.
|
Mary
Ann McGinley is an art teacher at Poplar Grove Middle School in Franklin,
Tennessee. mcginleymar@fssd.org
WOW! I love snowflakes and am always looking for ways to incorporate them into different art/science lessons--I never thought of this one! I have tried the lino plate/clay technique myself (it's so cool) and long to try it with middle school/high school someday--thanks for sharing this lesson--definitely a keeper! Mrs. P
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