Course Description

THIS is potentially the greatest class imaginable in the human mind. The students in this class
are in 8th/9th grade and are ready to succeed in this class. You will be given a chance to dive
into art through hands-on work in our ceramics room by learning the techniques needed to
become a skilled ceramicist. The class focuses on making art with clay.
Learning Targets
Each student will:
1. Explore the tools, techniques, and processes of making art.
2. Create works of art that use the elements and principles of art.
3. Learn to critique artwork.
4. Evaluate works of art.
5. Create meaning in works of art.
6. Organize and exhibit works of art.
7. Recognize some influences on artists through history.
8. Make connections between art and other subjects.
9. Recognize how art fits into everyday life.
Materials and Supplies
Students will be exploring many different techniques of working with clay. All of which are the
basic hand building techniques that can lead into larger, more in depth projects in the future.
The supplies being used for this semesters projects will be available in class for students to
use. Working and developing clay projects does get messy! It is advised to bring an APRON or
OLD, LARGE BUTTON-DOWN T-SHIRT to help with the dust and mess that naturally comes in
a ceramic room. Any additional outside materials that would contribute to a students project that
students would like to bring is encouraged as long as it is approved by Mrs. Palu and school
regulations.
Grading
Skill-based exercises are graded on mastery. Students will assist in determining grades for
finished artworks.
4- Mastered (A), 3- Great (B), 2- Good (C), 1- Poor (D).
Homework
Any work not finished in class will be homework. Additional homework assignments may be
announced in class.
Make-up Work
Assignments can be reworked or redone for more credit. To receive a higher grade on any
assignment students can put in extra effort and show obvious improvement. No make-up work
is accepted the last week of the semester.

Late Work

It is important that you stay caught up with assignments as they build on each other. We will be
critiquing work in class so it is important for you to have your work finished before the
discussion. No late work will be accepted the last week of the term.
Expectations
1. Respect others.
2. Respect others property and school property.
3. Be self-motivated: come to class on time and ready to work every day.
4. Clean up after yourself.
Attendance
Unexcused absences are unacceptable. Any time you are absent you should check this website
to see what you missed. Tardies will be handled through the school's tracking system.
Citizenship
Your citizenship grade is determined by personal behavior and attendance. Disrespectful
behavior such as insulting others, damaging property of any kind, or use of inappropriate
language will result in a drop of your citizenship grade. Multiple tardies will also lower the grade
and truancies (sluffs) will result in an automatic U. The citizenship grade breakdown is as
follows:
O = Outstanding S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory
Discipline Policy
I expect you to show maturity through respectful behavior. If your behavior is inappropriate, I
will talk with you privately about the problem. If the situation does not improve, your parents will
be contacted. If the problem persists, you will be referred to the principals office for disciplinary
action.
Special Needs
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students needing special
accommodations may contact me for alternative arrangements.
Discrimination
Orem Junior High does not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, disability, national origin,
race, religion, or gender in its programs or activities. Please contact a school administrator if you
have any questions or concerns.