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