Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: The Darkroom: Meaning of Darkroom And Darkroom Layout.
Topic: THE DARKROOM
Subject Matter: Darkroom tools, Darkroom equipment

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a darkroom.
List common darkroom tools.
Explain the uses of various darkroom tools.
Identify essential darkroom equipment.
Describe the functions of darkroom equipment.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of a darkroom in photography.
Develop interest in the darkroom process.
Value the care and proper handling of darkroom tools and equipment.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify and name various darkroom tools and equipment from diagrams or actual items.
Demonstrate (verbally or by pointing) the correct handling of basic darkroom tools.

Collaborate with peers to identify and discuss darkroom items.
Share knowledge about the darkroom process.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (Photography component)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Photography
Photography for Senior Secondary Schools by [Author/Publisher Name]
https://www.dummies.com/art-center/photography/darkroom-printing/darkroom-developing-tools/
https://www.kentmere.com/darkroom-essentials-what-do-you-need-to-set-up-a-darkroom/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or diagrams of darkroom tools (developer tray, fixer bottle, print tongs, timer)
Pictures or diagrams of darkroom equipment (enlarger, safelight, film processing tank)
Actual developer tray, fixer bottle (empty and clean, for demonstration)
A small enlarger (if available) or a detailed diagram

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the darkroom is important for pupils to grasp the traditional process of developing photographs. It helps them appreciate the origins of photography and the chemical processes involved in creating images, which is a key part of the photography curriculum.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of photography concepts such as cameras and negatives.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE DARKROOM

Definition of a Darkroom

A darkroom is a room that can be made completely dark to allow for the processing of photographic film and paper without exposing them to unwanted light, which would damage the image.

Darkroom Tools

Darkroom tools are smaller, handheld items used for specific tasks during the photographic developing process.

The following are common darkroom tools and their uses:

Developer Tray: Used to hold the developer chemical, which brings out the latent image on film or paper.
Stop Bath Tray: Holds the stop bath chemical, which halts the action of the developer.
Fixer Tray: Contains the fixer chemical, which makes the image permanent and light-safe.
Washing Tray: Used for rinsing prints to remove residual chemicals.
Measuring Cylinders/Cups: For accurately measuring and diluting photographic chemicals.
Stirring Rods: Used for mixing chemicals thoroughly.
Timers: Essential for precise control over chemical processing times.
Thermometers: Used to monitor and maintain the correct temperature of chemicals, as temperature affects processing.
Print Tongs: Plastic tongs used to handle photographic prints in chemical solutions to avoid contamination and staining.
Squeegee: A device used to remove excess water from processed film or prints, aiding in faster and spot-free drying.

Darkroom Equipment

Darkroom equipment refers to larger machines or systems used for more complex or fundamental processes in the darkroom.

The following are essential darkroom equipment and their functions:

Enlarger: A projector-like device used to project an image from a photographic negative onto light-sensitive paper, allowing for prints of various sizes.
Safelight: A special light fixture that emits light of a wavelength that does not affect light-sensitive photographic paper, allowing the photographer to see in the darkroom during printing.
Film Processing Tank: A light-tight container used for developing photographic film, allowing chemicals to be poured in and out without exposing the film to light.
Print Washer: A specialized unit designed for thorough and efficient washing of photographic prints to remove all traces of processing chemicals.
Drying Rack/Line: Structures or lines used for hanging film or prints to dry after processing and washing.
Print Trimmer/Guillotine: A device with a sharp blade for accurately cutting photographic paper to desired sizes or for trimming finished prints.

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, reviews the previous lesson on basic photography, and then introduces the topic of the darkroom by asking pupils where they think photographs were processed before digital cameras.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and questions, connecting to their prior knowledge.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of a Darkroom

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines what a darkroom is, explaining its purpose as a light-tight environment for processing photographic materials. The teacher may show pictures of a typical darkroom setup.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic purpose of a darkroom.

Step 3: Identification and Explanation of Darkroom Tools

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents various darkroom tools (e.g., developer tray, print tongs, timer) using actual items or diagrams. For each tool, the teacher explains its name, appearance, and specific use in the darkroom process.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the tools, identify them, listen to explanations, and participate by asking questions about their functions.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and explain the uses of common darkroom tools.

Step 4: Identification and Explanation of Darkroom Equipment

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces darkroom equipment such as the enlarger, safelight, and film processing tank, using diagrams or actual items if available. The teacher explains the function and importance of each piece of equipment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the equipment, identify them, listen to explanations, and engage in discussions about their roles in photography.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe the functions of essential darkroom equipment.

Step 5: Practical Insight/Visualisation

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visualisation/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses diagrams or actual items to show how some tools and equipment interact, for example, how a negative is placed in an enlarger or how chemicals are poured into a film tank. This helps pupils visualize the process.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations and ask questions to clarify their understanding of the workflow.
Learning Point: Pupils get a clearer visual understanding of how darkroom items are used.

Step 6: Class Discussion/Reinforcement

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher initiates a brief discussion, asking pupils to recall a tool or equipment and its use. The teacher clarifies any misconceptions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate, sharing what they have learned and asking further questions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding through active recall and discussion.

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 a darkroom.
Mention three common tools found in a darkroom.
State two essential pieces of darkroom equipment.
Explain the function of an enlarger in a darkroom.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of the darkroom in traditional photography. The teacher assigns homework: “List five darkroom tools and five pieces of darkroom equipment, stating one use for each.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Darkroom – A light-tight room used for processing photographic film and paper.
Developer – A chemical solution used to bring out the latent image on exposed film or paper.
Fixer – A chemical solution that makes the photographic image permanent and light-safe.
Enlarger – An optical projector used to print images from negatives onto photographic paper.
Safelight – A darkroom lamp that emits light of a wavelength safe for photographic paper.
Print Tongs – Tools used to handle photographic prints during chemical processing.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to explain the chemical process briefly. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids and simplified explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that diagrams or actual items of darkroom tools and equipment are clear and visible to all pupils. Emphasize the safety precautions when handling chemicals, even if only discussing them theoretically.