Clay Bird House

 CERAMICS

Clay Birdhouse

Clay Birdhouse Assignment

Clay Birdhouses is one of my students' favorite assignments during the spring semester and it allows students to be very creative as they work with the clay. I try to keep it simple and straight forwards, the only things I look for are the requirements in order to make the project fun, but I won't get in the way when students are trying to go above and beyond the required, the only thing you don't want is to have students doing less than it is expected. 

Handout

I created a handout to help students put the work together easier, this handout I give out after I present the assignment and students have the design they want to use for the project, this way, they are not distracted by the handout and are paying attention while I am presenting the content. 

HANDOUT

Assignment Directions

Step 1: Using the templates given on the handout cut out all the pieces for the walls of the bird house and let it seat for a few minutes so the clay is not too flexible when you are trying to put it together. Paper towels is great way to absorb some of the moisture out of the clay. 

Step 2: When you feel that the clay is somewhat dry, start to put the walls together using score and slip. At this point, getting the walls put together will be great for the structure.