Lesson Plan: Resin vs. Polymer Clay: Exploring the Differences and Best Uses
Lesson Plan: Resin vs. Polymer Clay: Exploring the Differences and Best Uses
Grade Level: 6-8
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will compare and contrast resin and polymer clay, understanding their unique properties and best uses. Students will engage in hands-on experiments and research to deepen their understanding of these materials, their characteristics, and their applications in various crafts.
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grade-level topics, expressing ideas clearly and building on the ideas of others.
Materials:
- Resin and polymer clay (enough for each student to experiment with)
- Measuring cups or scales (for resin mixing)
- Mold or clay tools
- Oven (for polymer clay curing, if applicable)
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Writing paper and pencils
- Access to research resources (books, articles, or online sources)
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Start the lesson by asking students if they have heard of or used resin or polymer clay before.
- Facilitate a class discussion to share prior knowledge and expectations about these materials.
2. Research and Note-Taking (15 minutes):
- Provide students with research resources about resin and polymer clay, their properties, and best uses.
- Instruct students to conduct research and take notes on the characteristics, advantages, and potential drawbacks of both materials.
3. Experimental Exploration (30 minutes):
- Distribute resin and polymer clay to each student or small group.
- Provide safety goggles and gloves for students when working with resin.
- Instruct students to follow the provided instructions for working with each material.
- Encourage students to experiment with the materials, creating small objects or samples to compare their properties and characteristics.
4. Comparison and Analysis (20 minutes):
- Gather students together and facilitate a discussion comparing and contrasting resin and polymer clay.
- Encourage students to share their observations, experiences, and findings.
- Guide the discussion to cover aspects such as appearance, texture, flexibility, durability, curing methods, and potential applications.
5. Informative Writing (20 minutes):
- Instruct students to individually write an informative/explanatory text comparing resin and polymer clay.
- Ask students to include their research findings, personal observations, and recommendations for best uses of each material.
- Remind students to organize their writing clearly and use appropriate vocabulary.
6. Presentations and Reflection (10 minutes):
- Provide time for students to share excerpts from their informative texts with the class.
- Encourage students to present their findings confidently and respond to questions from their peers.
- Facilitate a class discussion where students can reflect on their learning, discussing which material they prefer and why.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
The beauty of epoxy resin is that there are countless crafts you can make with it. As long as you have a silicone mold, you could even make a chessboard and chess pieces! To make things prettier, try adding some glitter and dye for bright and colorful creations, or try finding things around your house that might need a little epoxy resin upgrade. Our first craft will finally put the pennies hiding in your couch to good use. We’ll make a gorgeous food tray with them!Next up, a beautiful decoration for a ukulele; it’ll be like having the seaside at the tip of your fingers! Are you a chess enthusiast? Then you won’t want to miss the DIY chess set. You’ll need a silicone mold for the board and another for the chess pieces. Mix unique colors to make it fun! We’ll also show you how to make the cutest giraffe night lamp and gorgeous DIY jewelry, so watch all the way until the end!TIMESTAMPS:1:00 — Food tray made with coins2:05 — Seaside decoration on ukulele3:26 — Flexible chessboard5:13 — Cute giraffe night lamp8:40 — Watermelon pendantWe advise adult supervision and care at all times.This video is made for entertainment purposes. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, safety and reliability. Any action you take upon the information on this video is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any damages or losses. It is the viewer's responsibility to use judgment, care and precautions if one plans to replicate.The following video might feature activity performed by our actors within controlled environment- please use judgment, care, and precaution if you plan to replicate.All product and company names shown in the video are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-Minute Crafts: http://bit.ly/2itjCywFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/5min.crafts/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5.min.crafts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/5m_craftsSubscribe to 5-Minute Crafts GIRLY: https://goo.gl/fWbJqzThe Bright Side of Youtube: https://goo.gl/rQTJZzFor more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me/Music by Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/
