Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY: The meaning of photography
Subject Matter: Meaning of photography, Scope of photography, Essence of photography

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define photography.
State the scope of photography.
Explain the essence or importance of photography.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the role of photography in various aspects of life.
Show interest in learning more about photographic principles.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify tools used in photography like a digital camera.
Point out examples of photography in their daily environment.

Discuss how photography influences communication and documentation in society.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Ayodele, J.A. (2018). Comprehensive Photography for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Learnwell Publishers.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A digital camera
Printed photographs (e.g., portraits, landscapes, news photos)
Photo frames
A camera tripod
Whiteboard/Chalkboard and markers/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces pupils to photography, helping them understand what it is and its wide range of uses. Knowing the basics of photography enables pupils to better appreciate how images are created and their significance in documenting events and communicating ideas in daily life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of pictures, images, and the concept of capturing moments with mobile phones.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction to Photography

Meaning of Photography

Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.

The word “photography” comes from the Greek words “phos” (light) and “graphis” (drawing or writing), meaning “drawing with light.”

Scope of Photography

The scope of photography refers to the various areas and fields where photography is applied. It is a diverse field with many specializations. The following are areas where photography is widely used:

Photojournalism: Capturing news and events for media.
Portrait Photography: Taking pictures of individuals or groups.
Fashion Photography: Showcasing clothing and accessories.
Advertising Photography: Creating images for product promotion.
Landscape Photography: Capturing natural scenery.
Architectural Photography: Documenting buildings and structures.
Scientific Photography: Recording data for research and analysis.
Forensic Photography: Documenting crime scenes and evidence.
Medical Photography: Recording medical conditions or procedures.
Wildlife Photography: Capturing animals in their natural habitats.
Art Photography: Creating images purely for aesthetic expression.

Essence of Photography

The essence of photography lies in its fundamental importance and purpose. The following points highlight the essence of photography:

Documentation: It records events, history, and moments for future reference.
Communication: Images convey messages, emotions, and information quickly and effectively.
Memory Preservation: It helps preserve personal and collective memories.
Artistic Expression: It serves as a powerful medium for creative and artistic expression.
Education: Photographs are used in textbooks and presentations to illustrate concepts.
Evidence: It provides visual proof in legal and scientific contexts.
Social Commentary: It can highlight social issues and influence public opinion.

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 to mention any pictures or images they have seen recently. The teacher then relates their responses to the lesson by introducing photography as the art of creating such images.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning pictures they have seen.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their interest in the topic is stimulated.

Step 2: Meaning of Photography

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines photography, explaining its origin from Greek words “phos” (light) and “graphis” (drawing). The teacher uses a digital camera to demonstrate how light is captured to form an image.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and observe the demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of photography.

Step 3: Scope of Photography

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the scope of photography by listing and briefly describing various fields where photography is used, such as photojournalism, portrait photography, and fashion photography. The teacher shows examples of printed photographs representing different scopes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and identify the types of photography from the examples shown.
Learning Point: Pupils identify different areas where photography is applied.

Step 4: Essence of Photography

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance or essence of photography, highlighting its role in documentation, communication, memory preservation, and artistic expression. The teacher encourages pupils to share their own experiences with photographs.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by sharing how photographs have impacted their lives.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the significance and purpose of photography.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define photography in your own words.
Mention three areas where photography is used.
State two reasons why photography is important.
What does “phos” mean in the word “photography”?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the meaning, scope, and essence of photography. The teacher gives pupils an assignment to bring different types of photographs from newspapers or magazines for the next class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and prepare for the next lesson.

Lesson Keywords

Photography – The art or process of producing images by the action of light on a sensitive surface.
Camera – An apparatus for taking photographs, usually consisting of a lightproof enclosure with an aperture and a lens.
Image – A representation of the external form of a person or thing, usually produced by a camera.
Scope – The range or extent of an area or field of activity.
Essence – The fundamental nature or most important quality of something.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research a specific type of photography in more detail. For those who need more support, the teacher can provide simpler definitions and more visual examples, ensuring they understand the core meaning and purpose of photography.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have actual physical or digital examples of different types of photographs to make the lesson more engaging and concrete. Encourage pupils to share their own experiences with taking or viewing photographs to connect the lesson to their daily lives. Emphasize that photography is both a technical skill and an art form.