Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: The Negative: Meaning of Negative And Drying Methods.
Topic: THE NEGATIVE
Subject Matter: Storage of negative, Film containers, Cellophane jackets

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define negative storage.
State at least two reasons for proper negative storage.
Identify different materials used for storing negatives.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of preserving photographic negatives.
Develop a careful attitude towards handling negatives.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate how to correctly place negatives into film containers.
Properly store negatives using cellophane jackets and storage boxes.

Share ideas on best practices for negative preservation with peers.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Photography (SS1).
Photography for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Developed photographic negatives (sample).
Empty film canisters.
Plastic sleeves (cellophane jackets).
A storage box designed for negatives.
Marker and whiteboard.

Rationale for the Lesson

Proper storage of negatives is important for preserving photographic images over time. This lesson helps pupils understand how to protect their negatives from damage, ensuring their photographs last for a long time and can be used for future prints.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of photography, how film negatives are produced, and their role in image creation.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE NEGATIVE: Storage of Negatives

What is Negative Storage?

Negative storage refers to the proper methods and materials used to protect photographic negatives from physical damage, environmental factors, and degradation over time. Effective storage ensures that the image information on the negative remains intact and usable for future printing or scanning.

Reasons for Proper Negative Storage

Proper negative storage is important for several reasons:

Preservation: It protects the delicate emulsion layer of the negative from scratches, dust, fingerprints, and other physical damage.
Longevity: It helps to prevent chemical degradation, fading, and discoloration caused by light, heat, humidity, and pollutants.
Accessibility: Well-organized storage makes it easy to locate specific negatives when needed for printing or scanning.
Archival Value: It ensures that valuable photographic records are preserved for historical, personal, or commercial purposes.
Future Use: It allows for the creation of new prints or digital copies from the original negative at any time.

Materials for Negative Storage

Various materials are used for the safe and effective storage of photographic negatives:

Film Containers: These are small, light-tight plastic or metal containers primarily used for storing rolls of undeveloped or developed film. They protect the film from light and dust before processing or if the entire roll is to be kept intact.
Cellophane Jackets (Plastic Sleeves/Archival Pages): These are transparent, chemically stable plastic sleeves designed to hold individual strips of cut negatives. They protect negatives from scratches, fingerprints, and dust while allowing for easy viewing without direct handling. They are typically made from polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene, which are inert materials.
Storage Boxes: These are sturdy, acid-free, and lignin-free boxes used to store film containers or archival pages filled with negatives. They provide an additional layer of protection against light, dust, and physical impact, and help in organizing large collections of negatives.

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 to a photograph if its negative is damaged. The teacher then introduces the topic: “The Negative: Storage of Negatives.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the importance of negatives and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Presentation of What is Negative Storage?

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what negative storage means, emphasizing the protection of the negative’s image information.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes, asking questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of negative storage.

Step 3: Presentation of Reasons for Proper Negative Storage

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the reasons why proper negative storage is important, such as preservation, longevity, accessibility, and archival value.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute to the discussion, and write down the reasons.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the various benefits of storing negatives correctly.

Step 4: Presentation of Materials for Negative Storage: Film Containers

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a film canister and explains its purpose in storing undeveloped or developed film rolls. The teacher demonstrates how a film roll fits into the canister.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and ask questions about the use of film canisters.
Learning Point: Pupils identify film containers and understand their use.

Step 5: Presentation of Materials for Negative Storage: Cellophane Jackets and Storage Boxes

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays cellophane jackets (plastic sleeves) and a storage box. The teacher explains how cut negative strips are placed into the sleeves and how these sleeves are then organized within a storage box.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials and understand their functions.
Learning Point: Pupils identify cellophane jackets and storage boxes as negative storage materials.

Step 6: Demonstration of Proper Negative Storage

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the practical steps of handling a negative, cutting it into strips (if not already done), placing it carefully into a cellophane jacket, and then organizing the jacket into a storage box.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration keenly, noting the correct handling techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical steps involved in storing 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 storage.
State two reasons why it is important to store negatives properly.
Mention three materials commonly used for negative storage.
Explain how a cellophane jacket protects a photographic negative.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of proper negative storage for preserving photographic history. The teacher assigns homework: Ask parents or guardians if they have old negatives and how they store them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson.

Lesson Keywords

Negative – A photographic image on film that has reversed tones (light areas appear dark, and dark areas appear light).
Storage – The act or method of keeping something for future use.
Film canister – A small, light-tight container used to hold rolls of photographic film.
Cellophane jacket – A transparent plastic sleeve designed to protect individual strips of cut photographic negatives.
Archival – Relating to records or documents; suitable for long-term preservation.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can assign them to research different archival standards for negative storage. For pupils requiring additional support, the teacher can provide one-on-one guidance during the practical demonstration and simplify the explanation of key terms.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that all instructional materials, especially the sample negatives and storage items, are readily available before the lesson begins. Emphasize the practical demonstration part, allowing pupils to handle the materials if possible, under strict supervision. Encourage pupils to ask questions to clarify any doubts about handling and storage. Safety in handling old negatives (if any are brought from home) should also be discussed.