Grade 2 (and 3) 

The Arts, Social Studies, and Science and Technology

Created by Siobhan Prow 

Brought to you by the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre

 

Overview and Purpose

This lesson utilizes the use of pottery as one of the lessons in the Arts curriculum to teach students about Brantford’s local history. With a focus on the industrialization of pottery, students will learn about how the science of salt helps keep people healthy and will also consider the ways different cultures craft vessels for food storage.

Education Standards

This lesson reflects the standards laid out in three subjects of the Ontario Curriculum for Grade 2. Strand D of the Arts is at the forefront of this lesson. Students further learn important aspects of Strand A of Science and Technology. Finally, Strand B of Social Studies is integrated into the lesson as it considers two different storage vessels.

These curriculum texts can be found below for your reference.

Objectives

1.     Learn about the history of the pottery industry in Brantford

2.     Consider how scientific innovations make people’s lives better

3.     Look at the way two different cultures tackle a similar need

4.     Practice artistic skills

Materials

1.     Slideshow presentation

a.     Available to download as PowerPoint

b.     Or Canva link here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFEzivc12g/SndtLUhARZPCr_SU7Ic0UQ/view?utm_content=DAFEzivc12g&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

2.     YouTube video: how to make a pinch pot

a.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bELgM8aSqLc

3.     Activity Materials

a.     White or clear polymer clay for best effect

                              i.      Play-doh, or another clay-like material as an alternative

                              ii.     2-4 oz. per student

b.     Salt

c.     Blue markers

d.     Q-tips

e.     Rubbing Alcohol

Activity

·      Go through the PowerPoint

·      Discuss questions in PowerPoint

·      Creation time

•  Explain that we are going to be making our own version of Brantford Stonewar
• Give brainstorming time with pencils and paper for students to think about their blue pinch pot design
  • Examples can be found at the link provided below
• Follow the video regarding how to make a pinch pot, adding a pinch of salt once the clay has been warmed up: 1/2 tsp for every 4oz of clay
• Once the pinch pot is made, students should apply their chosen blue design to the pot using markers
  • For an extra washed effect, students can apply Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol to the designs
• Allow to air dry
• Remind the students that unlike salt-glazed pottery made by Brantford Pottery Works, these pots are not food-safe (one of the differences being the use of a kiln to melt the salt and create a food-safe coating between the food items and the clay) and that these pots are better suited for holding non-food items like keys, jewelry, trinkets and other collectables

This above activity is borrowed from Wee Folk Art – for more information regarding the activity, including pictures, visit: https://weefolkart.com/faux-salt-glazed-pottery/

Curriculum Connections:

Apply to Grade 2 except when explicitly stated

The Arts

D1. Creating and Presenting

D1.1

create two- and three-dimensional works of art that express personal feelings and ideas

inspired by activities in their community or observations of nature

D1.2 Grade 2 and Grade 3

demonstrate an understanding of composition, using principles of design to create

narrative art works or art works on a theme or topic

D1.3 Grade 2 and Grade 3

use elements of design in art works to communicate ideas, messages, and understandings

D1.4 Grade 2 and Grade 3

use a variety of materials, tools, and techniques to respond to design challenges

Science and Technology

Strand A3. Applications, Connections, and Contributions

A3.1

describe practical applications of science and technology concepts in their home and community, and how these applications address real-world problems

A3.1

investigate how science and technology can be used with other subject areas to address real-world problems

A3.3

analyse contributions to science and technology from various communities

Social Studies

Strand B. People and Environments: Global Communities

B1.

describe some similarities and differences in the ways in which people in two or more communities in different parts of the world meet their needs and have adapted to the location, climate, and physical features of their regions

Downloadable Resources