Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: FILM DEVELOPMENT
Subject Matter: Film development meaning, Film development methods, Development tank use

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define film development.
Explain different methods of film development.
Describe the basic use of a development tank.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper film development techniques.
Show interest in learning practical photography skills.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct loading of film into a development tank (if materials allow).
Perform the basic steps of film development using a tank.

Cooperate with peers during practical demonstrations or group activities.
Ask relevant questions to clarify understanding of the development process.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Visual Arts.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Photography.
“Photography for Senior Secondary Schools” by a relevant author/publisher.
https://www.nigeriancurriculum.com
https://www.education.gov.ng

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A development tank with a film reel.
Photographic chemicals (developer, stop bath, fixer).
A thermometer.
Exposed photographic film.
Timers, measuring cylinders, water.
Darkroom facilities (or a changing bag for film loading demonstration).

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding film development is important because it is a fundamental step in traditional photography, transforming a latent image into a visible one. This lesson helps pupils grasp the chemical processes and practical skills needed to produce their own photographs, which is a valuable skill in the trade of photography.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of the basic principles of photography, including how a camera works, types of film, and exposure.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FILM DEVELOPMENT

Meaning of Film Development

Film development is the chemical process used to convert the invisible (latent) image recorded on an exposed photographic film into a visible and permanent image. This process involves a series of chemical baths that react with the light-sensitive emulsion on the film.

Methods of Film Development

Film can be developed using various methods, mainly categorised by the equipment used and the level of automation. The common methods include:

Tray Development: This method involves processing film in open trays, usually performed in a darkroom. It requires constant agitation and precise temperature control.
Tank Development: This method uses a light-tight developing tank, allowing development to occur in normal light after the film is loaded in complete darkness. It is widely used for black and white film development due to its simplicity and control.
Automatic Processor Development: This method employs machines to handle all stages of development, offering high consistency, speed, and volume processing, often used in commercial labs.

Use of a Development Tank

A development tank is a crucial tool in manual film processing. It is a light-tight container designed to hold film and processing chemicals without exposing the film to ambient light, once the film is loaded.

The main components of a development tank are:

Tank Body: The primary container that holds the processing solutions.
Lid: A light-tight cover that seals the tank, allowing it to be used in normal room light after loading.
Funnel Cap: A smaller cap within the lid, which allows for pouring chemicals in and out without removing the main lid or exposing the film.
Film Reel: A spiral-shaped reel (either plastic or stainless steel) onto which the film is wound. This keeps the film separated and allows chemicals to flow evenly over its entire surface.

The basic procedure for using a development tank involves:

Loading the exposed film onto the film reel in complete darkness (e.g., in a darkroom or changing bag).
Placing the loaded reel into the tank body and securing the light-tight lid.
Pouring in the developer chemical through the funnel cap, agitating the tank according to instructions, and timing the development.
Draining the developer and pouring in the stop bath, then draining.
Pouring in the fixer chemical, agitating, and timing.
Washing the film thoroughly with water to remove residual chemicals.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what happens after a photograph is taken with a film camera. The teacher then introduces the topic, Film Development, as the process that makes the image visible.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the question and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and understand the link between exposure and development.

Step 2: Meaning of Film Development

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines film development as the chemical process that converts a latent image into a visible and permanent one. The teacher explains that it involves a series of chemical baths.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and purpose of film development.

Step 3: Methods of Film Development

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the different methods of film development, focusing on tray development, tank development, and automatic processors. The teacher highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each, especially for beginners.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and write down the different methods and their key characteristics.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between various film development methods.

Step 4: Use of a Development Tank

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a development tank and its components (tank body, lid, funnel cap, film reel). The teacher demonstrates how to load a dummy film into the reel (explaining it’s done in darkness) and how to assemble the tank for chemical processing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, identify the parts of the tank, and understand the loading process.
Learning Point: Pupils comprehend the structure and initial steps of using a development tank.

Step 5: Practical Application/Simulation

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher simulates the pouring of chemicals (developer, stop bath, fixer) into the tank, demonstrating agitation techniques and explaining the role of each chemical and the importance of timing and temperature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the simulation carefully, noting the sequence of chemicals and the agitation process. They may ask questions about the practical aspects.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the sequence of chemicals and procedural steps in film development.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is film development?
Mention two common methods of film development.
List three main parts of a development tank.
Briefly explain the purpose of the developer in film processing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of proper film development for achieving quality photographic prints. The teacher assigns homework: “Research the safety precautions to observe when handling photographic chemicals.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Film Development – The chemical process of converting a latent image on film into a visible, permanent image.
Latent Image – The invisible image formed on photographic film after exposure to light.
Developer – The chemical solution that converts the exposed silver halides on film into metallic silver, making the image visible.
Stop Bath – An acidic solution used after the developer to halt the development process and protect the fixer.
Fixer – A chemical solution that removes unexposed silver halides from the film, making the image permanent and insensitive to light.
Development Tank – A light-tight container used for processing photographic film.
Film Reel – A spiral spool inside a development tank onto which film is wound.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research different types of developers and their effects on film contrast. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams of the development tank and a step-by-step handout of the process.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Safety is paramount when handling photographic chemicals; ensure proper ventilation and provide gloves. If a full practical demonstration with chemicals is not feasible, a detailed step-by-step simulation with an empty tank and water can still be very effective. Emphasize the importance of precise timing and temperature control during development.