Clay King Cobras

By Veronica Markley
Lesson Length /

Subject and Grade Level

6 Sessions + at 40 mins / 4th+ (Adaptable)
OBJECTIVES (learner outcomes)
Students will apply the gained knowledge on King Cobras to help create a realistic cobra sculpture.
Students will know how to use clay hand building techniques to create a sculpture.
Students will create texture by using a variety of tools.
Students will define clay terms: score, slip, coil
STATE OR NATIONAL LEARNING STANDARDS
Standard 3: Invent & Discover to Create – Recognize, interpret, and validate that the creative process builds on the development of ideas through a process of inquiry, discovery, and research Standard: 4. Relate and Connect to Transfer - Identify, compare and justify that the visual arts are a way to acknowledge, exhibit and learn about the diversity of peoples, cultures and ideas
MATERIALS

Red Clay, Liquid Tempera Paint, laminated photos of King Cobras, Medium Gloss Varnish, Variety of clay tools: tooth picks, canvas, combs, doilies, forks, wooden sticks etc. clay slip, small sponges, paint brushes, Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale: Rikki Tikki Tavi directed by Chuck Jones
TEACHER PREPARATION
Preparing Clay: roughly 2lbs per student
Set out tools
Stages of Clay Visuals
PROCEDURE
Session 1
  • Introduce by Power Point with lots of information about Cobras and images
  • Handout laminated King Cobra photos and spend the rest of class time sketching
Session 2
  • Demonstrate how to make a coil
  • Time to experiment on their own and practice
Session 3
  • Demonstrate next class on how to score and slip pieces of clay together.
  • Students will start to create a King Cobra
  • Wrap in moist paper towels and place under secure plastic for storage
- Discuss importance of not letting it dry out
Session 4
  • Students will continue working final King Cobra and utilize the texture tools to create scales
  • Active monitoring on students scoring slipping
  • Wrap in moist paper towels and place under secure plastic for storage.
Session 4/5
  • Studio day and finish clay cobras if needed
  • Allow Drying time and Fire accordingly
Session 5/6
  • On a drying day show short animation “Rikki Tikki Tavi” (Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale) or read a book if you don’t have the DVD
Last two sessions – Can get messy so be well prepared (newspaper covered tables)
  • Dry brush walnut brown or burnt sienna all over (I like to use tempera)
  • Set aside to dry
  • Next class period gently rub/sponge off paint
- The paint left in the grooves will emphasize the texture
  • Dip cobra in water/varnish mix pre-made in a bucket
- This will create a nice seal and semi-gloss on the sculpture
- Place on plastic covered shelves for drying (Cut up large garbage bags to line shelves with)
Extension: Have students have a critique session OR Write an artist statement
Assessment
  • Create a rubric
- Did student create a sculpture that resembles a King Cobra?
- Was the scoring and slipping done with excellent craftsmanship?
- Did the student use time wisely and in positive manner during studio time?
- Were the clay tools used in a safe and effective manner?
- The painting and varnish of the King Cobra was also done with careful craftsmanship?