Janelle's 1st project

8th Grade Project 2 weeks

Janelle's 1st project

Janelle Lind

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Purpose

This project aims to equip 8th-grade students with the skills to capture candid photographs that tell compelling stories within their school environment. Through hands-on activities and real-world applications, students will learn to use Digital SLR cameras and apply composition techniques to document and preserve the culture and events of the school year. By engaging with community partners and participating in exhibitions, students will develop a deeper understanding of narrative photography and its impact on storytelling. The project fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, culminating in a digital portfolio and public presentation that showcases their growth and achievements.

Learning goals

Students will develop technical skills in using Digital SLR cameras, mastering settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to capture high-quality candid photos. They will apply rules of composition such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to enhance the storytelling aspect of their images. Through collaborative activities and peer critiques, students will refine their ability to convey narratives through photography, while also improving their socio-emotional skills by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the cultural significance of candid photography in documenting school life and events.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
ISTE Standards for Students - 1.6 Creative Communicator: Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals.

Products

By the end of the project, students will have created a digital portfolio showcasing their candid photography skills, complete with pre and post photos and reflective narratives. Their best work will be featured in the school yearbook, capturing the essence of the school year through candid moments. Additionally, a virtual gallery on the school's website will display their photo collections, inviting community interaction and feedback. These products will serve as both a personal achievement and a contribution to the school's cultural documentation.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Photo Scavenger Hunt' where students are tasked with capturing a list of candid moments around the school, applying composition rules in real-time. Invite a guest photographer for an interactive 'Behind the Lens' session to share insights and demonstrate candid photography techniques. Engage students in a 'Capture the Moment' challenge, allowing them to experiment with angles and settings, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.

Exhibition

Students' candid photographs will be featured in the yearbook, capturing authentic moments that reflect the school year's culture and events. Snippets of their work will be shared on the school's social media platforms, allowing the wider community to engage with the students' storytelling. Additionally, a dedicated virtual gallery on the school's website will showcase the students' photo collections, inviting comments and feedback from viewers.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Launch: Photo Scavenger Hunt - Students embark on a photo scavenger hunt, capturing candid moments around school while applying basic composition rules to tell a story. (45 min)	Interactive Session: Behind the Lens - A guest photographer conducts an interactive session, sharing insights and demonstrating techniques for capturing compelling candid photos. (45 min)	Camera Skills Workshop - Students practice using Digital SLR cameras, focusing on settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to capture high-quality photos. (45 min)	Composition Techniques Exploration - In small groups, students explore and apply composition rules such as the rule of thirds and leading lines through guided exercises. (45 min)	Capture the Moment Challenge - Students pair up to alternate roles as photographer and subject, experimenting with angles and settings to tell a narrative through images. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Each student submits a selection of their top 3 candid photos from the week's activities, accompanied by a brief written reflection on the composition techniques used and their storytelling intent.
Preparation	1. Compile a checklist of candid moments and locations for the 'Photo Scavenger Hunt'. 2. Coordinate with a local photography studio to secure a guest photographer for the 'Behind the Lens' session. 3. Prepare Digital SLR cameras for student use, ensuring all equipment is charged and functional. 4. Create instructional handouts detailing basic camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and composition rules. 5. Organize materials for the 'Feedback Loop' session, including critique guidelines and reflection prompts.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Portfolio Development - Students begin curating their digital portfolios by selecting pre and post photos and writing reflections on their composition techniques. (45 min)	Feedback Loop - Students pair up to exchange portfolios and provide written and verbal critiques based on composition and narrative criteria, then revise their work accordingly. (45 min)	Advanced Workshop: Candid Techniques - Collaborate with a local photography studio where students learn advanced techniques and receive expert feedback on their candid photography. (45 min)	Photo Storytelling Night Preparation - Students select photos and prepare narratives for the 'Photo Storytelling Night,' practicing presentations with peers for constructive feedback. (45 min)	Photo Storytelling Night - Host a public presentation where students showcase their slideshows, narrating the stories behind their images and explaining their compositional choices. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed digital portfolio with pre and post photos, reflective narratives, and evidence of revisions. 2. Slideshow presentation prepared for 'Photo Storytelling Night', including narration of the stories behind the images.
Preparation	1. Arrange for the local photography studio partner to conduct the workshop on advanced techniques. 2. Ensure the availability of Digital SLR cameras and any additional equipment needed for the workshop and photo sessions. 3. Organize the venue and technical setup for the 'Photo Storytelling Night' rehearsal and final exhibition, including projectors and seating arrangements. 4. Prepare feedback forms and criteria for peer critique sessions to guide students in providing constructive comments. 5. Coordinate with teachers and staff to facilitate the gallery walk, providing materials for students to display their work.