Core Subject Integration: It's a Win/Win Situation!

Core subject (math, science, social studies and language arts) integration is my passion!  When I incorporate these subjects in my art teaching, everybody wins! I win as my students already know the content, the classroom teachers win when I reinforce their core subjects, and, most importantly, the kids win by making valuable connections with what they are learning in their classroom.

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 Students paint using their choice of warm and cool colors.  Next up:  create a symmetry collage!

MAFS.4.G.1.3  Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.

ontent Complexity: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts

Art & Science: Liquids into Solids

Alimacani art students are learning the science of the clay making process.  We compared the steps of making a cake in a kitchen oven to that of clay fired in a kiln explaining that the application of heat makes big changes. 

 


We discussed how primitive cultures fired their pottery by digging holes in the ground, filling with dried leaves and twigs, and placing pottery on top.  They started a fire by rubbing two sticks together, then covered it all with dirt.  Days later, they dug up their clay pieces to find then strong and hard.

Stay Tuned For Pottery Projects at Alimacani!

Such great news!  Thanks to the Alimacani PTA and all the students who participated in our Turkey Trot school fundraiser, we have a new addition to our art program:  a new, state of art kiln so our students can create beautiful pottery projects!  This long overdue piece of equipment will allow every student at Alimacani to create a clay project to treasure a lifetime.  We are SO fortunate to have a committed PTA and supportive families to help make this happen.  

Not only will students create a clay masterpiece, they will learn the science behind the firing process and how Native Americans and other primitive cultures around the world created and fired pottery before the invention of electric kilns.

Ask your students where we would go to find clay for pottery and how primitive cultures fired the clay to become strong and hard.