Born around 330 B.C. in Alexandria, Euclid is recognized as one of the world’s most important mathematicians. A member of a wealthy Greek family, Euclid was sent to study at Plato’s Academy in Athens, where he was trained in math by Plato’s students. Euclid went on to publish at least six mathematical textbooks; his Elements was used as a main math textbook from the time it was published until the early 20th century. It is believed that more than 1000 editions of the book have been released, second only to the Bible.
Euclid’s Elements introduces this theory of Euclidian geometry, a concept your students can put into play with the Mayco Triad Slab Pot Lesson Plan. Students will use clay to create a completely symmetrical, triangular pot with three sides of equal length and three equal angles, each measuring 60 degrees. The concept of threes continues through the painting process, with students selecting a triad color scheme.
The name Euclid means “renowned” and “glorious”, two achievements your students can strive for with their ceramic creations. Students will practice creating even slabs, slipping and scoring, creating and applying coils, trimming, decorating with rollers, painting, and glazing clay with this project, which spans math, science and art.
Click to view the plan, including step-by-step instructions, a complete materials list, and a photo of a finished piece.
For grades 5-12.
