Capturing Community Stories Through the Lens

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

10th Grade Project 4 weeks

Capturing Community Stories Through the Lens

Jodi Pearson

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Purpose

This project aims to empower students to explore and document the diverse stories within their community through the lens of photography, inspired by the Humans of NY project. By engaging with community members and capturing their narratives, students will develop a deeper understanding of cultural and social diversity. This project encourages critical thinking, empathy, and creativity, as students learn to use photography as a powerful medium for storytelling. Through collaboration with a local cultural center or museum, students will gain access to a rich tapestry of stories that will inform and enhance their photographic work. The project will culminate in a digital portfolio that showcases their ability to communicate complex human experiences visually and reflectively.

Learning goals

In this project, students will explore the power of photography as a medium for storytelling, focusing on capturing and communicating the diverse narratives within their community. They will develop skills in visual literacy, learning to analyze and interpret the elements of photography that convey meaning and emotion. Students will also enhance their communication skills by engaging with community members, conducting interviews, and crafting compelling narratives that accompany their photographs. Through this process, they will gain a deeper understanding of cultural and social diversity, fostering empathy and appreciation for different perspectives. Additionally, students will refine their technical photography skills, including composition, lighting, and editing, to effectively convey the stories they document. The project will culminate in the creation of a digital portfolio that showcases their work, demonstrating their ability to integrate artistic expression with critical reflection and community engagement.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

Products

Students will create a digital photography portfolio that captures the diverse stories of individuals within their community. Each student will select a minimum of five subjects to photograph, ensuring a variety of backgrounds and experiences are represented. Alongside each photograph, students will write a narrative piece that reflects the subject's story, highlighting key insights and personal reflections. The final product will be a cohesive digital presentation that includes both visual and written elements, showcasing the student's ability to convey complex narratives through the medium of photography. This project will culminate in a public exhibition at the partnering cultural center or museum, allowing students to share their work with the broader community and engage in dialogue about the themes of diversity and storytelling.

Launch

Begin the project with a gallery walk featuring iconic photographs from Humans of New York and other renowned photojournalists. Arrange the classroom to mimic an art gallery, with each photograph accompanied by a brief story or caption. Invite students to explore the gallery and jot down their thoughts on how each image captures the essence of the individual's story. Follow the gallery walk with a class discussion to reflect on the power of photography in storytelling and introduce the essential question: "How can photography capture and communicate the diverse stories of individuals in our community?" This activity will set the stage for students to think critically about the role of visual storytelling in understanding and appreciating community diversity.

Exhibition

To culminate the project, organize a community exhibition at the partnered local cultural center or museum. This event will showcase students' digital portfolios and photography projects, allowing them to present their work to family, peers, and community members. Each student can display their photographs alongside their written reflections, providing context and personal insights into the stories they've captured. Additionally, consider hosting a panel discussion where students can share their learning journey and the impact of the project on their understanding of community diversity. This exhibition not only celebrates students' work but also fosters a deeper connection between the school and the community.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Gallery Walk - Students will explore a classroom setup that mimics an art gallery, featuring iconic photographs from Humans of New York and other renowned photojournalists. They will jot down their thoughts on how each image captures the essence of the individual's story.	Activity 2: Class Discussion - Engage students in a discussion about the power of photography in storytelling. Introduce the essential question: 'How can photography capture and communicate the diverse stories of individuals in our community?'	Activity 3: Introduction to Photography Basics - Provide a lecture or workshop on the basics of photography, including composition, lighting, and the use of cameras.	Activity 4: Community Mapping - Students will begin identifying potential subjects for their project by mapping out community members or groups they might interview and photograph.	Activity 5: Interview Skills Workshop - Conduct a workshop focused on developing interview skills, helping students learn how to approach community members and ask meaningful questions.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Reflection Journal - Students will submit a short reflection on the gallery walk, discussing their thoughts on the photographs and the stories they tell. 2. Deliverable 2: Community Mapping Plan - Each student will create a preliminary plan identifying potential subjects and the stories they aim to capture.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Curate and set up the gallery walk with a selection of photographs and accompanying stories or captions. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare a lecture or workshop on photography basics, including visual aids and examples. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop materials for the interview skills workshop, including a list of sample questions and tips for conducting effective interviews.

Week 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Photography Techniques Workshop - Conduct a workshop to delve deeper into advanced photography techniques, such as portrait lighting, framing, and depth of field.	Activity 2: Community Engagement - Students will begin reaching out to identified community members or groups to schedule interviews and photo sessions. They will practice their interview skills in real-world settings.	Activity 3: Narrative Writing Workshop - Host a session focused on crafting compelling narratives. Students will learn how to write stories that effectively accompany their photographs.	Activity 4: Mock Interviews and Photo Sessions - Students will conduct mock interviews and photo sessions with peers to practice and refine their skills before engaging with actual community members.	Activity 5: Peer Review Session - Facilitate a session where students present their initial photographs and narratives to peers for feedback and constructive critique.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Initial Photograph and Narrative Draft - Each student will submit at least one photograph and a draft of the accompanying narrative, based on their mock interviews. 2. Deliverable 2: Community Engagement Log - Students will maintain a log documenting their interactions with community members, including scheduled interviews and any challenges faced.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare materials and resources for the advanced photography techniques workshop, including examples and hands-on activities. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Coordinate with local community organizations or leaders to facilitate student interactions and interviews. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop a guide for narrative writing, including examples and tips for students to create engaging stories. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Organize and oversee mock interview and photo session activities, providing feedback and guidance. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Set up a system for the peer review session, including guidelines and criteria for effective feedback.

Week 3	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9
Activities	Activity 1: Photo Editing Workshop - Conduct a workshop on photo editing techniques using digital software. Students will learn how to enhance their photographs to align with the stories they wish to convey.	Activity 2: Conducting Interviews and Photo Sessions - Students will meet with community members to conduct interviews and capture photographs. They will apply the skills developed in previous weeks.	Activity 3: Story Development - Students will work on developing their stories, integrating feedback from the peer review session into their narratives.	Activity 4: Group Critique Session - Facilitate a group critique session where students share their photographs and narratives to receive feedback from peers and the teacher.	Activity 5: Portfolio Development - Students will begin organizing their photographs and narratives into a digital portfolio, selecting the pieces that best represent their work.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Edited Photograph and Final Narrative - Each student will submit an edited photograph along with the final version of the accompanying narrative. 2. Deliverable 2: Portfolio Progress Report - Students will submit a progress report on their digital portfolio, outlining the photographs and narratives they plan to include.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare materials and resources for the photo editing workshop, including a tutorial on the chosen editing software. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Coordinate with community members to confirm interview and photo session schedules, ensuring students have access to their subjects. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop a guide for the group critique session, including criteria for giving constructive feedback. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Set up digital tools and platforms for students to begin compiling their portfolios, providing guidance on organization and presentation.

Week 4	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11
Activities	Activity 1: Final Portfolio Completion - Students will focus on finalizing their digital portfolios, ensuring that each photograph is paired with a well-crafted narrative. They will refine their work based on feedback received in previous sessions.	Activity 2: Portfolio Presentation Preparation - Students will prepare to present their digital portfolios. This includes selecting key pieces to highlight and practicing their presentation skills to effectively communicate the stories captured.	Activity 3: Peer Presentation Day - Organize a day where students present their portfolios to the class. This will provide them with an opportunity to practice for the public exhibition and receive additional feedback from peers and the teacher.	Activity 4: Exhibition Setup Planning - Collaborate with students to plan the layout and setup for the community exhibition at the partnered cultural center or museum. Discuss logistics, such as the arrangement of displays and the order of presentations.	Activity 5: Reflection and Feedback Session - Conduct a session where students reflect on their learning journey throughout the project. Encourage them to discuss the challenges they faced, the skills they developed, and the insights they gained about community diversity.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final Digital Portfolio - Each student will submit their completed digital portfolio, showcasing their photographs and narratives. 2. Deliverable 2: Presentation Plan - Students will submit a plan outlining the key elements of their portfolio presentation, including the photographs they will highlight and the main points they wish to communicate.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Review and provide final feedback on students' digital portfolios, ensuring they meet the project's standards and objectives. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Coordinate with the partnering cultural center or museum to finalize exhibition logistics, including space allocation and technology needs for digital displays. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop a rubric for assessing student presentations, focusing on content, delivery, and engagement with the audience. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare the classroom for the peer presentation day, ensuring all necessary equipment (e.g., projectors, screens) is available and functioning. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Organize and facilitate the reflection and feedback session, guiding students in a constructive discussion about their experiences and learning outcomes.