Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Practical Art and Art History
Previous Lesson: Introduction to Sculpture: Meaning, Functions and Techniques.
Topic: INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE
Subject Matter: Sculptural tools and materials (metal, clay, cement, wax, plaster, wood)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define sculpture.
Identify various materials used in sculpture.
List different types of sculptural tools.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of sculpture as an art form.
Show interest in creating sculptural pieces.

Psychomotor Domain:

Describe simple sculptural techniques such as pinching and coiling.
Demonstrate basic sculptural techniques using available materials.

Collaborate with peers in identifying sculptural materials and tools.
Share ideas on different sculptural forms.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Asekomhe, G. (2018). Comprehensive Visual Art for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Asek Publishers.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of clay, cement, and prepared pap.
Pictures or charts showing various sculptures and sculptural materials (metal, wax, plaster, wood).
Examples of simple modelling tools.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand sculpture as a three-dimensional art form and recognize the materials and tools used in its creation. It enables pupils to appreciate sculptural works and develop basic practical skills in manipulating materials.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of art forms and have seen various art objects in their environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE

Definition of Sculpture

Sculpture is a three-dimensional art form that involves shaping or combining materials to create a work of art. It can be viewed from all sides (in the round) or from one side (relief).

Types of Sculpture

Sculpture in the round: Free-standing sculpture that can be viewed from all angles.
Relief sculpture: Sculpture that projects from a background surface. It can be high relief (projects significantly) or low relief (projects slightly).

Sculptural Materials

Sculptors use a variety of materials, each with unique properties:

Clay: A versatile and pliable material, often used for modelling and ceramics. It hardens when fired.
Cement: A strong and durable material, mixed with sand and water to create concrete, which can be cast or carved.
Wax: A soft, malleable material, often used for modelling or as a mold for casting other materials like bronze.
Plaster: A white powder mixed with water to form a paste that hardens quickly. It is used for casting, modelling, and creating molds.
Wood: A natural, organic material that can be carved, cut, or joined. Different types of wood offer varying textures and densities.
Metal: Materials like bronze, steel, iron, and aluminum can be forged, welded, cast, or hammered into sculptural forms.

Sculptural Tools

The choice of tools depends on the material and technique used:

Modelling tools: Used with soft materials like clay and wax (e.g., wire loops, wooden modelling sticks).
Carving tools: Used for harder materials like wood, stone, and plaster (e.g., chisels, mallets, gouges).
Cutting tools: Used for shaping and removing material (e.g., knives, saws).
Joining tools: Used for assembling pieces (e.g., welding equipment for metal, adhesives for various materials).
Finishing tools: Used for refining surfaces (e.g., files, rasps, sandpaper).

Sculptural Techniques

Common techniques for creating sculptures include:

Modelling: Building up a form by adding and shaping soft materials like clay or wax.
Pinching: A basic modelling technique where clay is shaped by pinching and pulling with the fingers.
Coiling: Building a form by rolling clay into long ropes (coils) and stacking them.
Slab building: Creating forms from flat sheets (slabs) of clay.
Moulding: Using a mold to create multiple copies of a form.
Carving: Removing material from a solid block of wood, stone, or plaster to reveal a form.
Casting: Pouring a liquid material (e.g., molten metal, plaster, resin) into a mold to create a solid form.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention different types of art forms they know. The teacher then introduces sculpture as one of the oldest art forms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of sculpture as an art form.

Step 2: Definition of Sculpture

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines sculpture as a three-dimensional art form and explains its types (in the round and relief), showing examples with pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic types of sculpture.

Step 3: Sculptural Materials

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces various sculptural materials such as clay, cement, wax, plaster, wood, and metal, showing samples or pictures of each. The teacher discusses the properties of each material.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials, observe their properties, and note their uses.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and describe common sculptural materials.

Step 4: Sculptural Tools

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents various sculptural tools (modelling tools, chisels, files) and explains their uses in relation to different materials and techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools, discuss their functions, and identify them.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize and understand the functions of sculptural tools.

Step 5: Sculptural Techniques (Demonstration)

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates simple sculptural techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab building using available materials like clay or prepared pap.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully observe the teacher’s demonstration and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how basic sculptural techniques are performed.

Step 6: Practical Activity

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice simple techniques like pinching and coiling using the provided clay or pap.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to create simple forms using the demonstrated techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience in manipulating sculptural materials.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is sculpture?
Mention three materials used in sculpture.
List two types of sculptural techniques.
Name two tools used for carving.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the definition of sculpture, its materials, tools, and techniques. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label five sculptural tools.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given a task to reinforce understanding.

Lesson Keywords

Sculpture – A three-dimensional art form created by shaping or combining materials.
Modelling – A sculptural technique of building up a form by adding and shaping soft materials.
Carving – A sculptural technique of removing material from a solid block to reveal a form.
Casting – A sculptural technique of pouring liquid material into a mold to create a solid form.
Relief – A type of sculpture that projects from a background surface.
Clay – A common pliable material used for modelling and pottery.
Chisel – A tool used for carving hard materials like wood or stone.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on famous Nigerian sculptors and their works. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide additional one-on-one guidance during the practical activity and use simplified diagrams to explain concepts.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to experiment with different available materials to foster creativity. Emphasize safety when discussing and handling tools. Where actual tools are not available, clear pictures or drawings can be used effectively. Ensure the practical activity is well-managed to allow all pupils to participate.