Clay Dino Fossils


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Describe the personal, social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence the creation of visual artworks including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Select and assemble artworks for a personal portfolio.
  • 5b. Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations and performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Science
  • World History
  • Clay skills
  • Clay Vocabulary: Slip

    • Pictures of fossils are shown in class. We focus on fossils that show skeletal remains of dinosaurs.

    The teacher demonstrates how to make the base and bones, as well as how to attach the bones to the base.

    Students start by making a base for their fossils and cover it with liquid clay slip, then add bone shapes to make the style and pose of a dinosaur skeleton.

    A checklist of bones is given to each student so he or she can mark off the important bones as they are made. Each Dino fossil must include at least the following:
  • Skull
  • Bottom Jaw
  • Neck/Spine/Tail bones
  • Ribs
  • Hips/Pelvis
  • Shoulder blade
  • Legs
  • And some indication of hands/feet/claws

    • Special care is given so that the pose reflects a story that they will later relate to the class about how this particular dinosaur met it's demise and/or how it was discovered.

    Ziplock bags are used to keep the clay parts damp until next time.

    When the fossils are dry and fired, students use watercolor to tint the clay in earth tones.