The Stuyvesant High School Online Course Guide

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Who should take this course?
This course will appeal to anyone interested in exploring the ceramics field from a creative, artistic and technical perspective.

What will we be studying?
The Ceramics Course is designed to provide a broad experience in the ceramics area. Subject matter is presented technically as well as artistically. Topics covered include:

• The nature of ceramic materials - clay, glass, plaster;
• The processing of ceramic materials to form useful or artistic items by hand building and machine forming methods - potter's wheel;
• The safe use and operation of ceramic equipment;
• Finishing, decorative and artistic techniques;
• Glaze chemistry - compounding glazes from raw chemicals and applying glazes;
• Kilns - safely stacking and firing the kilns;
• The different types of firings - bisque, glaze, oxidation and reduction.

What will be expected of me?
A major emphasis will be placed on acquiring competence in forming clay using tools and machines. You will be expected to:

• Maintain a laboratory notebook;
• Participate fully in the course;
• Plan and execute problem solutions;
• Successfully complete all assigned projects;
• Work safely and effectively on an individual and group basis;
• Use your creativity to solve problems.

How is the course taught?
Lecture, recitation, laboratory, and demonstration formats will be used. Lectures and demonstrations will require listening and note taking skills. Laboratory skills will require students to set up and operate ceramic equipment in order to create their unique solutions to the assignments presented.

What are the completion requirements?
Students must successfully complete all assigned projects, take approximately 6 examinations and maintain a laboratory notebook.

Are there any special demands, costs, etc?
Materials replacement fee.

Details and pre/co-requisites:
There are no pre/co-requisites. The Ceramics Course is an elective which meets the 10 period Technology course requirement for graduation. Seniors may elect this course to either satisfy the graduation requirement, or as a prepared senior elective.