Hey there! So, let’s talk about a really cool part of making pottery called the reduction cooling phase. When we fire our clay in a kiln, we want it to harden and become strong. At Cone 6, which is a way to measure heat in pottery (it gets really hot!), we need to let the clay cool down carefully to make sure our pots turn out great.
During this phase, we change the oxygen levels in the kiln. That’s because the clay and the glazes on it can change colors and textures in a special way when there’s less oxygen. It’s like giving your pottery a magic touch!
Now, as the kiln slowly cools down to a lower temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F), we carefully watch how hot it gets. Keeping an eye on the temperature helps make sure everything looks just right!
To help you imagine this, think about 7 objects that could be made from clay and are exactly equal to the measurements provided when cooling from Cone 6:
- Mugs – Perfect for hot cocoa.
- Small plates – Great for snacks.
- Flower pots – To hold your favorite plants.
- Figurines – Like tiny sculptures of animals.
- Bowls – Ideal for cereal or soup.
- Tiles – Decorative pieces for walls.
- Vases – To hold beautiful flowers.
So, remember, the reduction cooling phase is super important in pottery! It makes your creations strong and colorful. Isn’t pottery fascinating?
