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Welcome to the Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

Here, you can find free sustainability lessons to use in your class and upload your own lessons to share. Be sure to rate the lessons you use and leave comments for your colleagues!

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Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

Painting a Clay Pot

Lesson Description:
Students will paint a clay pot to gain a better understanding of how clay pots are used in a container garden.

Procedure:
  • Wash the clay pot in warm soapy water to remove any traces of dirt or grease.
  • Cover the table or painting area with newspaper.
  • When the pot has dried, start painting. use the paint and paint brush to paint your design. Be creative!
  • Ensure each layer of paint dries thoroughly before adding another color on top.
  • Allow the painted flowerpots to dry out.

Adaptations:
  • Students can put soil into their flowerpots to grow plants and flowers for a small container garden.
  • Small pebbles, shells, beach glass can be attached to the side of your pot with ceramic grout. spread on the grout and firmly press your decorations into place. Smooth the spaces in between and remove any excess grout with a wet cloth or sponge. Let your pot dry completely before using it.

Extensions:
  • Students can take a field trip to a greenhouse or botanical garden to learn more about the use of flowerpots and gardening.
  • Students can give the flower pots to their parents as a decorative gift to place in their homes or gardens.

Lesson Type:
  • Project

Sustainability Topic:
  • Gardening

GEF Program Category:
  • Green Thumb Challenge

Time Needed:
30 minutes
Materials Needed:
  • a clay pot
  • poster paints
  • one small paintbrush
  • a container of clean water
  • recycled newspaper

School or Group:
GEF
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org

The Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse is brought to you in partnership with

Center for Green Schools