Inquiry
Enter this Unit.	Middle Level: Grades 6-8 Middle-Level Standard: Direct Observation Examine the characteristics of ceramics as artifacts, use these characteristics to identify the unit's ceramics that are artifacts, and discuss the kinds of information that these artifacts can provide about the cultures in which they were created. Individually or as a member of a collaborative group, develop one or more of the following: A timeline that shows the chronological order in which the unit's ceramics were created A timeline that shows the chronological order in which the unit's ceramics were created in relation to key historical events A chart that classifies the unit's ceramics by function (e.g., tomb burial, decorative only, decorative and useful) A chart that classifies the unit's ceramics by construction technique (e.g., coil, mold, wheel, slab, combination of techniques) A chart that classifies the unit's ceramics by surface treatment: glazed, unglazed, painted, combination of treatments A chart that classifies the unit's ceramics by art form: vessel or sculpture A chart that classifies the unit's vessels by their primary geometric form: sphere (Seed Jar, Teapot, Zsolnay Vase), cylinder (Hydria, Jar with Cover), cone (Storage Jar) To complement study of the Hydria, research and prepare a chart that shows (1) English words derived from Greek words and the names of Greek gods and (2) the definitions of the English words. (Suggested source: Isaac Asimov's Words from the Myths.) Middle-Level Standard: Accessing Information Listen to presentations or read online information about the historical and cultural context, physical properties, design elements, method of production, and function of each of the unit's 12 ceramic objects, and demonstrate comprehension of the material by responding to questions relating to description, interpretation, and association. (See the "Look" and "Think" questions about each object.) Do the online activity "Who Knows," which interprets and discusses the unit's ceramics from the perspectives of an archaeologist, an art historian, and an artist. Study the online lesson "Ceramic Process" to learn arts terminology descriptive of the building techniques and the processes used in creating ceramic works. Compare the sizes of the unit's ceramics to each other or to a basketball via the online activity "How Big Is It?"
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