Grades: High School (9–12)
Time Required: Four lessons requiring 1–4 class periods each
Subject: Visual Arts
Prerequisites: These lessons are intended for use by teachers who are proficient in teaching studio ceramics and for students of all skill levels.

These lessons explore ways that ceramic vessels can give clues about how they were used in the past and provide insight into the ideology of the cultures that created them. Students will examine a variety of ceramic vessels, discuss their meanings, functions, and original contexts, and create their own personally inspired clay vessels.

Objectives in each of the four lessons build on skills learned in previous lessons. Therefore, lessons should be taught in sequence. California state and national education standards for the visual arts are indicated for each lesson. Extended learning opportunities are also included.