Sio-2 Berlin Grey Stoneware Clay – 27.6 lbs

Description

Product Overview Sio-2 Berlin Grey is a premium stoneware clay body containing 40% impalpable grog (up to 80 Mesh) that’s specifically formulated for artistic ceramics. This professional-grade clay excels at wheel-throwing and modeling smooth pieces with fine details, while its high grog content provides excellent behavior during drying and firing. Depending on firing temperature, it develops an attractive range of greys from cement to dark grey, and is suitable for tableware (food-safe) according to ISO 6486:1999.

Technical Specifications

• Firing Range: Cone 5-10 (2192º-2372ºF)
• Bisque Firing: Cone 06 (1832ºF)
• Clay Body: 40% Impalpable Grog (up to 80 Mesh)
• Plasticity: 16 (IP Atterberg)
• Drying Shrinkage: 5.7%
• Firing Shrinkage at Cone 6: 6.7%
• Water Absorption at Cone 6: 0.1%

The grog content makes this clay forgiving for beginners while maintaining the quality professionals demand. The high content of grog confers excellent behavior during drying and firing, reducing cracking and warping issues common with other clays.

How Homeschoolers Can Use This Product

Ages 8+ Art & Sculpture Projects This clay’s forgiving nature makes it perfect for children learning hand-building techniques. The grog provides stability, so pinch pots, coil bowls, and slab projects are less likely to crack during drying. Younger students can focus on creativity rather than worrying about technical failures.

Middle & High School Ceramics Curriculum Ceramics education develops spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and patience while teaching scientific concepts like chemistry and physics through firing processes. This clay supports comprehensive ceramics programs covering historical pottery styles, cultural studies, and technical skill development.

Cross-Curricular Learning Opportunities

• History: Recreate pottery styles from ancient civilizations (Greek, Roman, Native American)
• Geography: Study pottery traditions from different world cultures
• Science: Explore geology (clay formation), chemistry (glazing), and physics (firing temperatures)
• Math: Calculate shrinkage rates, measure proportions, and understand geometric forms
• Literature: Create vessels inspired by historical periods being studied

Family Workshop Projects The 27.6-pound size provides enough material for multiple family members to work simultaneously. Proper storage in sealed plastic bags and containers keeps clay workable for extended periods, making it practical for families who pottery sporadically.

Character Development Through Craft Working with clay develops patience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills as students learn to work through mistakes and technical challenges. The tactile nature encourages mindfulness and provides a healthy break from screen-based learning.

Practical Homeschool Considerations

• Workspace Setup: Can be used effectively on a simple plywood table covered with canvas, requiring minimal dedicated space
• Storage: Stores well in sealed plastic containers with periodic moisture checks
• Budget-Friendly: Hand-building requires minimal initial investment in tools, making this an accessible medium for budget-conscious families
• Community Access: Many families find community art centers or local colleges provide kiln access for firing finished pieces

Safety & Workspace Notes Adult supervision recommended when working with clay dust; use dust masks when sanding dry clay. Clay work is best done on hard, wipeable surfaces rather than carpeted areas to manage dust and maintain cleanliness.

This clay bridges the gap between professional quality and educational accessibility, making it an excellent choice for homeschool families serious about incorporating quality arts education into their curriculum.