Second Grade Leaf Plates

In Second Grade we started our ceramics unit by tying in their number corner‘s look at pinnate vs. palmate leaf types. The resource I used from the American Museum of Natural History’s website is here.

We left our campus and explored the amazing Capital Crescent Trail as a class. We collected various pinnate and palmate leaves and enjoyed the beautiful Fall weather. Later we sketched our collections and noticed some of the details and differences in the leaves. Then, we put our slab roller to work and made ourselves large slabs. After rolling slabs, students used rolling pins to “print” the leaves on their clay. After a bisque fire, they were able to rub black glaze into the details and wipe the excess away highlighting the small details of each imprint. The final results were amazing. Enjoy!