Lesson 3: Textured Clay "Relief" Tiles
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will press textures into air-dry clay, creating a permanent tactile record.
1. How hard do you have to push to leave a mark? 2. Can you feel the "bumps" on the clay with your eyes closed?
Relief, Impression, Depth
VA:Cr2.1.HS1 (Experiment with forms, structures, and materials).
Archaeology: Understanding how fossils or ancient "seal stones" leave impressions in the earth.
Students roll out a slab of air-dry clay and use heavy objects (gears, shells, textured rollers) to press deep impressions into the surface. Purpose: To provide calming, "heavy" tactile input and explore 3D texture. DOK Level 2.
Footprints in wet cement; braille text; decorative tiles in a kitchen or bathroom.
Thinking the clay has to be "flat" (reframe as "the bumps are the best part!").
Physical: Use a Rolling Pin with handles or a weighted press to help students with lower muscle tone achieve a deep impression.
Sensory: Add Lavender or Peppermint oil to the clay for an additional calming or alerting olfactory experience.
Given two tiles (one smooth, one textured), the student will correctly select the "bumpy" tile through touch or gaze.