Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: The Darkroom: Darkroom Tools And Equipment.
Topic: THE DARKROOM
Subject Matter: Darkroom safety, Use of gloves, Apron use, Laboratory coat use

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define darkroom safety.
Identify different types of protective gear used in the darkroom.
State the importance of wearing protective gear in the darkroom.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the necessity of safety precautions in the darkroom.
Show willingness to use protective gear when working with photographic chemicals.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct way to wear gloves.
Properly wear an apron and a laboratory coat.

Cooperate with others in maintaining a safe darkroom environment.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Adedamola, A. (2018). Introductory Photography for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
https://www.education.gov.ng
https://www.waeconline.org.ng

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Rubber gloves
Apron
Laboratory coat
Examples of photographic chemicals (e.g., developer, fixer, stop bath) with safety labels
A poster illustrating darkroom safety rules

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand important safety measures required when working in a darkroom. It enables them to protect themselves from potential hazards associated with photographic chemicals, which is essential for their well-being and successful practical work in photography.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of what a darkroom is used for and general laboratory safety rules.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE DARKROOM: DARKROOM SAFETY AND PROTECTIVE GEAR

Darkroom Safety

Darkroom safety refers to the precautions and practices put in place to prevent accidents, injuries, or health issues when working with photographic chemicals and equipment in a darkroom environment.

Maintaining a safe darkroom is important because:

It protects individuals from chemical burns, respiratory problems, and skin irritations.
It prevents contamination of photographic materials.
It ensures the longevity and proper functioning of darkroom equipment.
It promotes a healthy and productive working environment.

Protective Gear in the Darkroom

Protective gear consists of items worn to minimize exposure to hazards. In a darkroom, these items guard against chemical splashes and contact.

The following are common types of protective gear used in the darkroom:

Rubber Gloves: These are worn on the hands to prevent direct contact between skin and photographic chemicals, which can cause irritation or burns.
Apron: An apron is worn over clothing to protect it from chemical splashes and spills, keeping the user’s clothes clean and preventing chemical absorption through fabric.
Laboratory Coat: A lab coat offers broader protection than an apron, covering the arms and torso. It protects both the skin and clothing from chemical exposure and provides a barrier against minor splashes.

It is important to always wear the appropriate protective gear when handling chemicals in the darkroom to ensure personal safety.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by a “darkroom” in photography and if they know any safety measures taken when working with chemicals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their prior knowledge.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge about darkrooms and safety, setting the stage for the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Darkroom Safety

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of darkroom safety, highlighting why it is important to follow safety rules. The teacher uses the darkroom safety poster to illustrate key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the poster, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and importance of darkroom safety.

Step 3: Introduction to Protective Gear

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Exposition/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the specific protective gears: rubber gloves, apron, and laboratory coat. The teacher shows the actual items to the pupils and briefly explains their general purpose.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the protective gear and listen to the explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify the different types of protective gear used in the darkroom.

Step 4: Demonstration of Using Gloves

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct way to wear and remove rubber gloves, explaining how they protect the hands from chemicals. The teacher also emphasizes checking for tears before use.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay close attention to the demonstration and observe the proper technique.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct procedure for wearing and removing gloves safely.

Step 5: Demonstration of Using Apron and Laboratory Coat

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to properly put on an apron and a laboratory coat, explaining the areas of the body they protect and their role in preventing chemical contact with clothing and skin.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and mentally prepare for practical application.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to correctly wear an apron and a laboratory coat for protection.

Step 6: Practical Session/Pupil Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes the protective gear to a few pupils (if available in sufficient quantity) or guides them to simulate wearing the gear. The teacher provides immediate feedback and correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice wearing the gloves, apron, and lab coat under the teacher’s supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience in wearing protective gear correctly.

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 darkroom safety.
Mention two reasons why darkroom safety is important.
List three items of protective gear used in the darkroom.
Explain the purpose of wearing rubber gloves in the darkroom.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of darkroom safety and the correct use of protective gear. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label any two protective gears used in the darkroom and state their uses.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Darkroom – A light-tight room used for developing photographic film and printing photographs.
Safety – Measures taken to prevent accidents or harm.
Gloves – Hand coverings, often made of rubber, used to protect hands from chemicals.
Apron – A garment worn over the front of clothes to protect them from stains or spills.
Laboratory coat – A protective garment worn over clothing in a laboratory to shield the body from chemicals.

Differentiation

For visual learners, the teacher will use posters, actual protective gear, and demonstrations. Auditory learners will benefit from clear explanations and discussions. Kinesthetic learners will engage through the practical session of wearing the protective gear. Peer-to-peer discussions will be encouraged for all learners to share understanding.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that actual protective gear (gloves, apron, lab coat) is available for demonstration and, if possible, for pupils to practice with. Emphasize the importance of never tasting or smelling darkroom chemicals directly. Encourage pupils to always report any spills or accidents immediately. Supervise practical activities closely to ensure safety.