1. Ceramics The word ceramic, derives its name from the Greek keramos, meaning "pottery", which in turn is derived from an older Sanskrit root, meaning "to burn". The Greeks used the term to mean "burnt stuff" or "burned earth".

2. What is Clay?

3. Clay Clay is made up of Silica, Aluminum Oxides, and water. Clay is made up of Silica, Aluminum Oxides, and water. Generally Clay is formed by the chemical weathering of silicate- bearing rocks by carbonic acids. Generally Clay is formed by the chemical weathering of silicate- bearing rocks by carbonic acids. Clay particles are distinguished from other particles in soil by their small size, plasticity, and affinity for water. Clay particles are distinguished from other particles in soil by their small size, plasticity, and affinity for water. particles of decomposed rock combined with water to create a plastic, malleable body which is then fired in a kiln to fuse the particles back into a stone- like state. particles of decomposed rock combined with water to create a plastic, malleable body which is then fired in a kiln to fuse the particles back into a stone- like state.

4. Cultures Archaeologists have uncovered human-made ceramics that date back to at least 24,000 BC. These ceramics were found in what was formerly Czechoslovakia and were in the form of animal and human figurines. Archaeologists have uncovered human-made ceramics that date back to at least 24,000 BC. These ceramics were found in what was formerly Czechoslovakia and were in the form of animal and human figurines. The first use of functional pottery vessels is thought to be in 9,000 BC. These vessels were most likely used to hold and store grain and other foods The first use of functional pottery vessels is thought to be in 9,000 BC. These vessels were most likely used to hold and store grain and other foods

5. Uses Most people, when they hear the word ceramics, think of art, dinnerware, pottery, tiles, brick and toilets. The above mentioned products are commonly referred to as traditional or silicate-based ceramics. Most people, when they hear the word ceramics, think of art, dinnerware, pottery, tiles, brick and toilets. The above mentioned products are commonly referred to as traditional or silicate-based ceramics. What most people aren't aware of is how diverse ceramic materials really are. They can be used for almost anything. Ceramics are currently used for computers, tools, dental replacements, engine parts and tiles on space shuttles. Ceramics play an important role in our everyday lives, even the parts we can't see and don't give much thought to. What most people aren't aware of is how diverse ceramic materials really are. They can be used for almost anything. Ceramics are currently used for computers, tools, dental replacements, engine parts and tiles on space shuttles. Ceramics play an important role in our everyday lives, even the parts we can't see and don't give much thought to.

6. Types of Clay Earthenware -A low-fire porous body, usually red or orange-tan in color due to the impurities and presence of iron. It is the most widely available type worldwide. Earthenware -A low-fire porous body, usually red or orange-tan in color due to the impurities and presence of iron. It is the most widely available type worldwide.

7. Types of clay Stoneware -A high temperature, strong, vitreous body, usually gray- brown in color. It is the most popular clay for utilitarian wares. Stoneware -A high temperature, strong, vitreous body, usually gray- brown in color. It is the most popular clay for utilitarian wares..

8. Types of Clay Porcelain- The highest temperature as well and most temperamental clay body. It is the purest form of clay possible, it is white and has translucent capabilities. Porcelain- The highest temperature as well and most temperamental clay body. It is the purest form of clay possible, it is white and has translucent capabilities.

9. Greenware Greenware is a term used to describe clay that has not been fired yet. Greenware is a term used to describe clay that has not been fired yet.

10. Stages of Clay Clay mixed with water, until it is like mud is called Slip Clay mixed with water, until it is like mud is called Slip When clay is soft and pliable it is called Plastic. When clay is soft and pliable it is called Plastic. When the clay is still workable on the surface it is called Leather Hard. When the clay is still workable on the surface it is called Leather Hard. Bone Dry is the stage at which the clay is completely dry, fragile, and is ready to be fired. Bone Dry is the stage at which the clay is completely dry, fragile, and is ready to be fired.

11. Slip -A thick and creamy mixture of clay and water used to join clay parts together or to decorate the surface. It is applied before firing, when the clay is still wet. Slip -A thick and creamy mixture of clay and water used to join clay parts together or to decorate the surface. It is applied before firing, when the clay is still wet. Plastic-Clay that is soft, pliable and easy to work with. Plastic-Clay that is soft, pliable and easy to work with. Leatherhard-Clay that has been allowed to dry slightly, making it stiffer and able to support its weight, but can still be worked on and have parts attached. Leatherhard-Clay that has been allowed to dry slightly, making it stiffer and able to support its weight, but can still be worked on and have parts attached.

12. Bone Dry-The state of clay when all naturally occurring water has evaporated. The clay is hard, dry, with a chalk like consistency. Bone Dry-The state of clay when all naturally occurring water has evaporated. The clay is hard, dry, with a chalk like consistency.

13. Kiln When the clay is Bone Dry it is ready for its first firing which subjects the clay to high temperatures and causes a chemical reaction. When the clay is Bone Dry it is ready for its first firing which subjects the clay to high temperatures and causes a chemical reaction. A fireplace or oven specifically designed for hardening clay is called a Kiln. A fireplace or oven specifically designed for hardening clay is called a Kiln. Kilns come in all sizes and shapes from wood fired pits dug in the ground to computerized containers like the one on the left. Kilns come in all sizes and shapes from wood fired pits dug in the ground to computerized containers like the one on the left.

15. Bisque-The first firing for the clay, removes all of the water, (both actual and chemical) and carbon, The fusing of the particles has begun, yet the clay is still porous to allow for glaze absorption. It can no longer be slaked down and recycled. Bisque-The first firing for the clay, removes all of the water, (both actual and chemical) and carbon, The fusing of the particles has begun, yet the clay is still porous to allow for glaze absorption. It can no longer be slaked down and recycled. Glazeware-The second firing of the clay with a coating of glaze upon its surface, it is fired to a higher temperature than bisque and therefore fuses the particles into a solid, non-porous state called vitrtification. Glazeware-The second firing of the clay with a coating of glaze upon its surface, it is fired to a higher temperature than bisque and therefore fuses the particles into a solid, non-porous state called vitrtification.

16. Until the clay has been fired it is possible to RECYCLE the hardened clay so it can be reused. Until the clay has been fired it is possible to RECYCLE the hardened clay so it can be reused. All clay used in class should be recycled if it is not going to be fired. All clay used in class should be recycled if it is not going to be fired. DO NOT THROW CLAY INTO GARBAGE CANS! DO NOT THROW CLAY INTO GARBAGE CANS!

17. Bisque Bisque is the term given to the first firing of clay. Bisque is the term given to the first firing of clay. Cones (left) are used to determine what temperature the clay is fired at. Cones (left) are used to determine what temperature the clay is fired at.

18. Pyrometric cone chart 061798°F 05-1/21839°F 051870°F 041915°F 031960°F 021972°F 011999°F 12028°F 22034°F 32039°F 42086°F 52118°F 5-1/22133°F 62165°F 72194°F 82212°F 92235°F 102284°F

19. Glaze Glaze is a powdery material that is coated on Ceramics and then fired to form a thin glass like coating. Glaze is a powdery material that is coated on Ceramics and then fired to form a thin glass like coating. Glazing not only creates an aesthetic smooth, surface but also strengthens the piece and allows it to hold liquid. Glazing not only creates an aesthetic smooth, surface but also strengthens the piece and allows it to hold liquid. It is possible to enhance the surface of the clay through the use of glazes and under glazes. It is possible to enhance the surface of the clay through the use of glazes and under glazes.

20. HAZARDS Clay Dust can be hazardous if inhaled over a long period of time. Clay Dust can be hazardous if inhaled over a long period of time. Although students are at minimal risk due to the limited exposure, care should be taken to minimize dust in the classroom. Although students are at minimal risk due to the limited exposure, care should be taken to minimize dust in the classroom. Clean all tables and tools with wet sponges, and dispose of dried clay properly. (recycle bucket) Clean all tables and tools with wet sponges, and dispose of dried clay properly. (recycle bucket) NEVER sand pots in the classroom. NEVER sand pots in the classroom.

21. More Ceramics