Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: The Negative: Storage Methods And Care.
Topic: PRACTICAL ON NEGATIVE DRYING AND STORAGE
Subject Matter: Negative drying, Negative storage, Handling methods

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define negative drying and storage.
List methods for drying photographic negatives.
State reasons for proper negative storage.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of careful handling of negatives.
Develop a sense of responsibility in preserving photographic work.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct techniques for drying negatives.
Properly store developed negatives using appropriate materials.
Apply safe handling methods for negatives during and after processing.

Collaborate with peers during practical sessions.
Share knowledge on best practices for negative care.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Photography.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Akinwumi, T. (2018). Practical Photography for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Learnwell Publishers.
https://www.photographytips.com/tips/how-to-dry-film-negatives
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/how-to-store-film-negatives-for-the-long-term

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Developed film negatives (black and white or color).
Drying clips and a dust-free drying line/cabinet.
Archival storage sleeves (e.g., glassine, polypropylene).
Storage binders or boxes.
Cotton gloves.
Dust-free cloth.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the practical steps involved in preserving their photographic work after development. Learning proper drying and storage techniques ensures that negatives remain undamaged and can be used for printing or scanning in the future, which is important for any photographer.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of photography and have been taught how to develop film negatives in a darkroom.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PRACTICAL ON NEGATIVE DRYING AND STORAGE

Negative Drying

Negative drying is the process of removing all moisture from developed film negatives to prevent damage, mold growth, and sticking.

The following are common methods for drying negatives:

Air Drying: Negatives are hung vertically in a dust-free environment using clips, allowing air to circulate and dry them naturally.
Drying Cabinet: A specialized cabinet with controlled temperature and air circulation to dry negatives quickly and cleanly.
Using a Squeegee/Wetting Agent: A soft rubber squeegee or a wetting agent (like Photo-Flo) can be used to remove excess water before hanging, reducing drying time and water spots.

Negative Storage

Negative storage involves placing dried negatives into protective materials and environments to prevent physical damage, chemical degradation, and environmental harm.

The following are important aspects of negative storage:

Purpose of Storage: Proper storage protects negatives from dust, scratches, fingerprints, light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. It also ensures their longevity for future use.
Storage Materials:
- Archival Sleeves: Made from inert materials like polypropylene, polyester, or glassine. They protect negatives from scratches and environmental pollutants.
- Archival Binders/Boxes: Used to hold sleeved negatives, providing an additional layer of protection and organization.
Storage Environment: Negatives should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place with stable temperature and humidity levels. Avoid attics, basements, or direct sunlight.

Handling Methods

Proper handling of negatives during and after processing is essential to prevent damage.

The following are recommended handling methods:

Wear Gloves: Always wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves to prevent fingerprints and oils from transferring to the negative surface.
Hold by Edges: Handle negatives only by their edges to avoid touching the emulsion or base.
Work in a Clean Area: Ensure the workspace is clean and dust-free to prevent particles from settling on the negatives.
Avoid Bending: Do not bend or crease the negatives, as this can cause permanent damage.
Use Proper Tools: Use appropriate tools like film clips and archival materials for handling and storage.

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 welcomes the pupils and reminds them of the previous lesson on film development. The teacher then asks pupils what happens to the film after it has been developed and rinsed. The teacher introduces the topic, “Practical on Negative Drying and Storage,” explaining that proper care after development is important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and understand the relevance of the new topic.

Step 2: Negative Drying Demonstration

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose of negative drying and demonstrates the process using developed negatives. The teacher shows how to use drying clips, hang negatives in a dust-free area, and optionally, how to use a squeegee or wetting agent to remove excess water. The teacher emphasizes the importance of a clean environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the techniques and safety precautions for drying negatives.

Step 3: Practical Negative Drying

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes developed negatives, drying clips, and instructs pupils to practice drying their negatives following the demonstrated methods. The teacher moves around, supervises, and provides individual assistance and corrections.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils individually or in small groups practice drying negatives, ensuring they follow the correct procedures.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in properly drying negatives.

Step 4: Negative Storage Demonstration

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains why proper storage is important for the longevity of negatives. The teacher demonstrates how to place dried negatives into archival sleeves and then into storage binders or boxes, explaining the types of materials suitable for archival storage and the ideal storage environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, noting the materials and techniques used for storage.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the principles and methods of safe negative storage.

Step 5: Practical Negative Storage

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides archival sleeves and storage materials. Pupils are instructed to practice storing their dried negatives. The teacher offers guidance and ensures pupils use the materials correctly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice placing their dried negatives into archival sleeves and then into binders or boxes.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in organizing and storing negatives.

Step 6: Handling Methods Discussion and Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief discussion on general handling methods for negatives, emphasizing the use of gloves and holding by the edges. The teacher demonstrates wearing gloves and holding a negative correctly. Pupils are encouraged to practice these handling methods throughout the practical session.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, practice wearing gloves, and consciously handle negatives by their edges.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and practice safe handling techniques for negatives.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define negative drying.
List two methods of drying photographic negatives.
State two reasons why proper negative storage is important.
Mention two ways to properly handle negatives.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of proper drying, storage, and handling of negatives. The teacher assigns homework: research different types of archival storage materials and their benefits.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given a task to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Negative Drying – The process of removing moisture from developed film negatives.
Negative Storage – The act of preserving dried negatives in protective materials and environments.
Archival Sleeves – Protective transparent envelopes made of inert materials for storing negatives.
Wetting Agent – A chemical solution used to reduce surface tension of water on film, preventing water spots during drying.
Emulsion – The light-sensitive layer on film where the image is recorded.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research advanced negative preservation techniques or different formats of negatives (e.g., medium format, large format). For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide closer supervision during practical sessions and offer simplified step-by-step instructions and visual aids. Peer-to-peer learning will be encouraged, allowing stronger pupils to assist their classmates.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all practical materials are readily available and in good condition before the lesson begins. Emphasize safety and cleanliness throughout the practical sessions. Encourage pupils to take pride in their work and understand that proper handling and storage are part of the photographic process. A review of film development might be helpful if pupils seem to struggle with the prerequisite knowledge.