Science of Pottery and Glass

Metallurgical Engineering

The unique minerals of the Black Hills region provide the perfect ingredients to form colorful pottery and glasses. This summer day camp provides high school students with a novel experience to learn about the science behind the creation of pottery (ceramics) and glasses through hands-on laboratory activities using Black Hills minerals. The experiences in this camp will inspire students to better understand mineral resources and how to utilize them to create functional materials. Topics covered in the camp will include:

  • Color Theory (learn the science and art of using color)
  • Clay-body Formation (create your own clay recipe)
  • Clay-body Processing (learn pottery techniques such as pinch pots, coil pots, and throwing pottery)
  • Glaze Creation (learn glaze recipe chemistry)
  • Glass Forming (conduct glass fusing and torch-work)
  • Characterization (conduct scanning electron microscopy)
Pottery and glass banner

Enrollment Process

All prospective campers must complete the following items before their summer camp application will be complete.

  1. Submit the online registration
  2. Complete student statement
  3. Submit waivers

Please note that this camp requires acceptance through a faculty review process. 

Camp Details

Grades: 9th -12th

  • Day Camp 9 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Lunch is provided
  • Parent Reception Thursday 1 PM 
  • Registration fee - Free with $100 refundable deposit

Register Now

Cancellation Policy

This is a free camp - For the benefit of other students that may be on the waitlist, please notify  youth.programs@sdsmt.edu or 605-394-6144of camper cancellation.

Have more questions?

For more information contact Admissions.

(605) 394-6144 
Youth.Programs@sdsmt.edu