Sand Mold Tile Project for Elementary Students

Lesson Plan: Sand Mold Carving & Aluminum Casting

Grade: 3-5
Duration: 2 weeks, 4 sessions (~1.5 hours each)

Lesson Overview

Students learn about reductive carving in sand molds used for metal casting. They design, carve, prepare molds, and observe a supervised aluminum pour, emphasizing artistic process, STEM concepts, safety, and teamwork.

Week 1

Class 1: Introduction & Design Planning

Activities:

  • Introduce metal casting and sand molds (videos, images)
  • Discuss safety procedures and teamwork
  • Brainstorm and sketch design ideas

Standards Addressed:

  • NY State Arts: Creating and designing art processes; understanding materials
  • STEAM: Engineering design, understanding of physical properties, safety awareness

Class 2: Building & Initial Carving

Activities:

  • Build base mold in sand
  • Carve shape following sketches, removing material carefully
  • Stabilize mold with water spray
  • Document progress with photos

Standards Addressed:

  • NY State Arts: Use of tools, craftsmanship
  • STEAM: Application of engineering and science concepts; investigation and experimentation

Week 2

Class 3: Refinement & Preparation

Activities:

  • Finalize carving, adding detail
  • Review safety for aluminum pouring
  • Prepare molds for pouring

Standards Addressed:

  • NY State Arts: Refining art through practice
  • STEAM: Science of heat and materials; engineering of mold design

Class 4: Aluminum Pouring & Reflection

Activities:

  • Supervised pouring of aluminum into molds
  • Post-pour safety review and cleanup
  • Reflection and discussion of the process, teamwork, and interdisciplinary concepts

Standards Addressed:

  • NY State Arts: Art reflection, process understanding
  • STEAM: Understanding scientific principles behind metals and heat; collaboration and problem-solving

Cross-Curricular Connections

  • Science: Properties of metals and sand
  • Math: Measuring and planning designs
  • History: Ancient metalworking techniques

Assessment

  • Participation and teamwork
  • Quality and creativity of carved molds
  • Understanding of reductive carving process
  • Reflection on learning and safety