Greek and Roman Pottery

Last year the fifth grade class studied Greek and Roman pottery.  We read famous stories from mythology and identified characters painted on the surface of plates and vases.

Our first project was to create a two-dimensional vase using black construction paper.  Students chose the size and shape of their vase.  Once the vase was constructed, students were asked to add an additional colored band of construction paper.  Each student then drew a visual story on the band of color. 

We completed the assignment with a study of the columns used in Greek and Roman architecture, ionic, doric and corinthian.  Each student applied one of these shapes to create their own unique column and glued their vase to set on top.

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After studying the pottery for weeks, students were ready to make their own.  Each student created a small clay plate using slab construction, and a coil method to make the plate's foot.  On the face of the plate, students carved original narrative scenes.  Once the plates had been fired in the kiln, students began painting their designs.  The finished plates were sealed with a clear gloss and displayed at Fine Arts Night.