Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: The Film: Meaning And Nature of the Film.
Topic: TYPES OF FILM
Subject Matter: Black and white film, Colour film, Film formats

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define photographic film.
Identify and differentiate between black and white film and colour film.
Mention various film formats.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the different uses and aesthetic qualities of various film types.
Show interest in selecting appropriate film for different photographic purposes.

Psychomotor Domain:

Handle samples of different film types and formats correctly.
Distinguish between different film boxes based on their type and format.

Discuss with peers the advantages and disadvantages of using different film types.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (Photography Section)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Photography
Akinboye, S. O. (2018). Essentials of Photography for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Macmillian Publishers.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of black and white film rolls
Samples of colour film rolls
Empty film boxes of various types and formats
A photographic camera

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding different types of film is important for pupils to make informed choices when taking photographs. It enables them to select the right film for desired artistic effects and practical purposes, thereby improving their photographic skills and appreciation of the art.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of what a camera is and that it is used to capture images.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

TYPES OF FILM

Definition of Photographic Film

Photographic film is a strip or sheet of transparent plastic film base coated on one side with a gelatin emulsion containing microscopically small, light-sensitive silver halide crystals. When exposed to light, these crystals undergo a chemical change, recording an image.

Black and White Film

Black and white film records images in shades of grey, ranging from pure white to pure black. It does not capture colour information directly.

The following are characteristics and uses of black and white film:

Characteristics:
- Records images in monochrome (shades of grey).
- Often associated with classic, artistic, or documentary photography.
- Can produce strong contrasts and deep shadows.
Uses:
- Portraiture for timeless effects.
- Street photography and photojournalism.
- Fine art photography.

Colour Film

Colour film is designed to capture and reproduce the full spectrum of colours present in a scene. It contains multiple layers of emulsion, each sensitive to different colours (red, green, blue).

The following are types and uses of colour film:

Types:
- Colour Negative Film: Produces a negative image where colours are inverted. This negative is then used to print positive images.
- Colour Reversal (Slide) Film: Produces a positive transparency directly, suitable for projection or scanning without an intermediate negative.
Uses:
- General photography (landscapes, events, family photos).
- Commercial and advertising photography.
- Fashion photography.

Film Formats

Film format refers to the physical size and shape of the photographic film. Different formats are used in different types of cameras and offer varying image qualities and aspect ratios.

The following are common film formats:

35mm Film: The most common film format, widely used in consumer and professional cameras. It produces a negative size of approximately 24mm x 36mm.
120 Film (Medium Format): Larger than 35mm film, offering higher image quality and resolution. It typically produces square (6×6 cm) or rectangular (6×4.5 cm, 6×7 cm, 6×9 cm) negatives.
Large Format Sheet Film: Individual sheets of film (e.g., 4×5 inches, 8×10 inches) used in large format cameras. These offer the highest image quality and control.
Advanced Photo System (APS) Film: A smaller format film (discontinued) that allowed for different print formats (classic, HDTV, panoramic) and had magnetic data 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 greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by the term ‘photography’ and what materials they think are essential for taking a photograph.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by sharing their ideas about photography and its basic components.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the lesson.

Step 2: Explanation of Photographic Film

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines photographic film, explaining its composition and how it records images. The teacher shows a sample film roll.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and observe the film sample. They ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic function of photographic film.

Step 3: Introduction to Black and White Film

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Description/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces black and white film, explaining its characteristics and demonstrating with a sample film roll and an example of a black and white photograph. The teacher discusses its common uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, listen to the explanation, and ask questions about black and white photography.
Learning Point: Pupils identify black and white film and its unique attributes.

Step 4: Introduction to Colour Film

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces colour film, explaining how it captures colours and differentiates between colour negative and colour reversal (slide) film. The teacher shows a sample colour film roll and a colour photograph.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, compare them to black and white film, and note the differences in how they capture images.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of colour film and its types.

Step 5: Discussion on Film Formats

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Categorisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of film formats and introduces common formats like 35mm, 120 (medium format), and large format sheet film, using empty film boxes to illustrate the size differences. The teacher also mentions APS film.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the different film boxes and identify the various formats, understanding their significance.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise different film formats and their applications.

Step 6: Class Discussion and Consolidation

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer/Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion, asking pupils to summarise the key differences between film types and the importance of choosing the correct film format. The teacher clarifies any lingering misconceptions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the discussion, summarising the main points and clarifying their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of film types and formats.

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 photographic film.
List two types of photographic film.
State two characteristics of black and white film.
Mention two common film formats.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recap/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher recaps the lesson by briefly reiterating the different types of film and their formats. The teacher then gives an assignment for pupils to research the concept of “film speed” (ISO).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the recap and note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reflect on the lesson and are prepared for future related topics.

Lesson Keywords

Film – A light-sensitive material used to record images in photography.
Black and White Film – Photographic film that captures images in shades of grey.
Colour Film – Photographic film that captures and reproduces the full spectrum of colours.
Film Format – The physical size and shape of photographic film.
35mm Film – A common film format producing 24mm x 36mm negatives.
120 Film – A medium format film larger than 35mm.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research specific film brands and their unique characteristics. For pupils who require more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids and simplified explanations, focusing on identifying the main types of film and their basic differences.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to bring actual samples of film rolls and empty film boxes to make the lesson more engaging and practical for the pupils. Encourage active participation through questions and discussions. Emphasise safety when handling film, especially if it’s old or exposed.