Students will engage through the understanding of how light works. Stories of early observations dating back to the 5th century, as well as Aristotle’s theory of light /photons. A ray of light vs a bundle of light. To prove how light works, students will look through a 4×5 camera. The comprehension of how to load a paper negative into a pinhole camera. How to properly set up the camera for taking a picture with available outdoor lighting. The concept of how light will project onto light sensitive paper in the can. An understanding of time for exposure (formula). An understanding of depth of field and wide angle due to curvature of the pinhole can camera.
TEACHING ARTIST SESSION CATEGORIES
Science
VA – 079 Darkroom Safety, in Detail: Loading Cans and How to Photograph (5-8)
My enthusiasm for the alchemy of photography began at age 12 when my older brother entrusted a Kodak Brownie to me. In 1983, I moved to a suburb of Cleveland, OH and began a formal study of the fine art and history of photography. I purchased darkroom equipment and established a home-based photo lab. The impetus and fascination commenced through experimenting and developing new techniques, freelance work and commissions, gallery exhibits, and teaching young people the craft of pinhole photography through various workshops.
VA-080 Darkroom Development & Safety (5-8)
Darkroom safety and proper procedures for chemical development of photos. Safety goggles, access to water for rinsing photos and a clothesline /clothespins for drying photos. If time allows, creative writing techniques / poetry using pinhole imagery for inspiration.
LA-007 Write-Out (3-6)
Join the National Writing Project and the National Parks System and write outside! Students will create a paper journal and add natural elements from outside. If weather permits, students will take their journals outside in nature to write poems. The students will...
VA-073 See You Later Alligator (PK-5)
Students will paint and color a precut alligator form and glue onto construction paper and we will talk about fascinating facts about this very large reptile that lives in our Louisiana Swamps. Single Session
VA-066 You Are My Sunshine (K-3)
In this session, students will make a sunshine collage with hand-painted paper. The paper will be pre-cut, pre-painted, and organized by color. They will learn about the warm and cool color gradation as well as listen to the song You are my Sunshine written by...
VA-060 Scenery Oil Pastel Blending (3-5)
In this session, students will learn to blend colors with oil pastels to create a beautiful landscape scenery.
VA-037 Nature’s Solar prints (6-12)
In this session, the teaching artist will guide students through the process of creating their own sun-reactive compositions by laying out foliage on fabric and watching the magic happen! These alternative photographic images are created by using a dye designed to...
VA-040 Prairie Collage: Building Together (6-12)
Students will reflect on themes of biodiversity, interdependence, and stewardship of the Earth.
VA-056 Dandelion Painting (3-5)
In this session, students will learn the origin of the dandelion and how its been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

