Nature's Engineering

Course Description

Nature’s Engineering is part of our Clay Explorations series—a collection of discussion-based clay classes that combine hands-on art, science, and creativity. Families can mix and match classes throughout the year or dive into several subjects at once. Other classes include Pottery in Cultures, Art Movements in Mud, and Oceanography. In this class, students will explore how nature solves problems through design—looking at patterns, structures, and systems found in plants, animals, and natural environments. From beehives and bird nests to shells, bones, and plant structures, we’ll discover how nature’s “engineering” is both functional and beautiful. As we study these natural designs, students will use clay to recreate and reinterpret organic forms, focusing on structure, texture, balance, and function through hand building techniques inspired by the natural world. We begin with a 20–30 minute discussion about the nature concept, followed by a project demonstration and plenty of hands-on building time. Each class is 75 minutes long and meets every other Friday (on 'B' weeks) from 3:00-4:15pm (total of 6 classes per semester). The Fall semester runs August 26 through November 20. The studio will be closed October 21–23 for Fall Break. *While enrollment is per semester, this class is designed as a year-long curriculum with different projects offered in the fall and spring. For planning purposes, our spring semester will run February - April with one week in March for Spring Break. Registration for the spring semester will open towards the middle-end of fall semester. PAYMENT INFO A one-time $25 family registration fee applies each semester, regardless of the number of children or classes your family enrolls in. This fee is included in the tuition price shown. Due to limitations with our online checkout system, the registration fee may appear to be included with each class during checkout. Don't worry—we review all homeschool registrations and will automatically adjust or refund any duplicate registration fees on our end. No action is required from you. The remaining balance may be paid before the first class or split into monthly payments due in September, October, and November. Please Note: - This is a hand building class; students will not use the pottery wheel. - Recommended for students in 1st grade and up. For ages 4–7, we recommend our monthly Storytime Sculpture class.