This activity challenges you to use what you learned in this lesson as you reflect on your own responses to ceramic artworks introduced in the lesson and other objects from the world around you.

Find an interesting regular pattern. You may choose a pattern from this lesson or from the world around you. Click to view a variety of patterns. Please do not choose a pattern that is already analyzed in the lesson. You may choose a pattern on a ceramic piece, for example from family dishes, or on other surfaces, such as fabric, wood, or even paper. If you choose a pattern not from the lesson you’ll need to get permission to bring the patterned object to class or bring a drawing or photograph of the pattern.

First, examine the pattern carefully to see what modules are repeated. Is there just one repeated module or more than one?
Is each repeated module a simple shape, a line, or a combination?
Describe each element (or motif) that makes up each module.

Where does the pattern appear on the object? Everywhere or in certain section(s)?

How is the pattern organized? Band? Mirror? Alternating? Staggered? Overlapping?

Imagine how different the object would be without its pattern. Imagine the pattern with one or two elements changed in each module.

Describe the expressive effect of the pattern. What does it remind you of? What feelings or ideas does it suggest to you?

Checklist
Your teacher will ask you either to write or talk together about the proportions and expressiveness of vessels. You should include in your writing or in your discussion all the items listed below.

1. I identified a pattern from this lesson or brought in another pattern.
2. I identified the parts that make up the pattern.
3. I analyzed how the parts of the pattern are organized.
4. I proposed a feeling or idea that the pattern expresses.

Begin the track assigned by your teacher:

Inquiry Track  /  Celebration Track  /  Mathematics Track

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