Resource Library·Merit Badge

Pottery

Elective merit badge — requirements, troop progress, and nothing shelved yet (be the first to suggest something).Official BSA page ↗Workbook (PDF) ↗

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In Progress
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Not Started
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Active Scouts
Scout Progress
ScoutAWARDReq 1Req 2Req 3Req 4Req 5Req 6Req 7Complete any oneReq 8
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Hazel S.Star
Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

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Sign in to see your scout’s progress on each requirement and to send in proof when one is done.

1
Explain safety precautions for potter's tools, equipment, and materials
2
2a
Explain good clay body properties for hand-building sculpture and wheel throwing
2b
Tell how three kinds of potter's wheels work
3
Draw two pottery forms (8.5x11): one historical style, one your own design
4
Explain pottery terms: bat, wedging, throwing, leather hard, greenware, bisque, grog, slip, stoneware, porcelain, pyrometric cone, glaze, etc.
5
5a
Make a slab pot, a coil pot, and a pinch pot
5b
Make a human or animal figurine or decorative sculpture
5c
Throw a functional form on a potter's wheel
5d
Help load and fire a kiln, OR describe in detail how to
6
Explain the U.S. ceramic industry's scope; name ceramics beyond craft pottery
7
(Do any one of the following)
7a
Visit a kiln yard; learn how electric, high-fire, wood/salt-soda, and raku kilns work
7b
Visit a museum, gallery, co-op, or studio featuring pottery; share what you learned
7c
Research pottery's historical and cultural importance; share findings
8
Research a pottery career (education, training, experience); discuss why it interests you