Most ceramic clays are water-based and are baked in a kiln at high temperatures, creating terra cotta, stoneware, porcelain or earthenware. Various types of natural clays are used in the classroom for sculpting and modeling -- some left in unfired states and other fired with glazes added for color. Ceramic clays contain various minerals, which impart colors ranging from white to gray, brown and red. Ceramic clays provided to schools must be allowed to air-dry before painting. If you choose to fire clay projects, the process is similar in that the sculpture must air-dry first and then be placed in the kiln to transform it to porcelain or stoneware. After firing, clay objects are much stronger. Add color at this point with the use of glazes, and then refire to bring out their true colors.
Clay made from polymers harden permanently after they are baked at low temperatures in a kiln or oven. These products mold like ceramic clay, but actually contain no natural clay. Polymer clay comes in a multitude of colors and is sold at craft stores. It is easily cured in the oven and has almost no shrinkage, maintaining its shape and form. Using clay polymers provides children with an exciting resource for exploring sculpting ,and it's excellent for designing colored parts of animals and bugs. Colors do not fade after the clay is heated.
Once you've chosen the type of clay your students will use, have each child choose a bug to model from clay. Have him choose a picture of a bug he would like to copy. Alternatively, you might provide a model of one or more bugs and ask the children to model their own version; or, you might ask the children to create a fantasy bug from clay after teaching them about insect anatomy. Let the children assemble their bug sculptures in pieces, starting with the main portion of the body. Have them make the limbs, head, wings and antennae and attach them to the body, smoothing the clay in place at the seams. Emphasize their need to be as accurate anatomically as possible. Add details such as eyes, scales, nose and teeth. Allow the bug sculptures to dry and either cure in the oven if they are polymer clay, or fire in the kiln. Depending on the age of your students, you may want them to either paint their fired bugs with tempera or acrylic paint or glaze them for refiring.
Older children always enjoy making masks. Another way of learning about insects is by imitating an insect. Teach your students how to make a bug mask from clay that they can wear to help them become the bug and act out being that bug. Again, you can either emphasize realism or allow the children to create fantasy bug masks incorporating actual anatomical aspects of their bug. Polymer clays are easiest to use for this project. Each child should start with a sphere or an ovoid shape close to the size of her head. A volleyball is an excellent form. Secure the ball to the table with a piece clay to keep it from rolling. Rub a thin film of olive oil on the ball to prevent the clay from sticking. Ask the children to mold their insect masks around half of the volleyball, adding details like eyes and other facial characteristics. If using polymer clays, the kids can include different colored parts to accentuate certain areas. Before the clay is dry, poke a hole on either side of the mask that is large enough to thread with a piece of elastic across the back. Allow the mask to dry on the ball and then gently remove it. Attach elastic to the back through the holes, and each child can wear his bug mask for show and tell.
If you are teaching children about insects, a fun project for preschoolers is making bug amulets that they can wear around their necks. Provide them with rolling pins, cookie cutters, molds and clay. Have them design their own bugs and include one or several aspects you teach them about insects. Keep it simple and age appropriate. Polymer clays are nontoxic, and make colorful bugs and bug parts. Poke a hole in the top section while the amulet is still wet, and when it's dry, thread with yarn for wearing the amulet as a pendant. Alternatively, use the amulet for a Christmas ornament or other holiday decoration.
Learning about insect anatomy and classification is not just for kids. Many adults are fascinated by bugs and often collect them, preserving them in large glass flats for viewing. Some adults enjoy taking private art classes at ceramic studios, and seniors in retirement homes might also enjoy learning how to use clay to build miniature replicas of insects as a new hobby.