Using Enlargers and Translucent Printing Paper for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 11
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Photographic Screen Making
Previous Lesson: Making Photographic Screens from Negatives
Topic: PHOTOGRAPHIC SCREEN MAKING
Subject Matter: Use of enlarger and kodalith translucent printing paper

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define an enlarger and state its purpose in photographic screen making.
• Describe kodalith translucent printing paper and its function.
• Explain the steps involved in using an enlarger with kodalith paper.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the proper handling and setup of an enlarger.
• Show how to correctly use kodalith translucent printing paper with an enlarger.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of precision when using photographic equipment.
• Observe safety precautions during practical demonstrations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Printing Craft textbook for SS 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A functional photographic enlarger
• Kodalith translucent printing paper
• Negatives (for demonstration)
• Darkroom light (red safelight)
• Timer
• Developing trays and chemicals (if practical demonstration extends to processing)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential for students to grasp the foundational photographic processes involved in screen making, which is a key aspect of printing craft. Understanding and practical application of the enlarger and kodalith paper enables students to produce high-quality film positives or negatives required for screen printing. This skill is vital for both academic understanding and potential vocational opportunities in the printing industry.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of photographic principles, including the concept of negatives and positives, and general safety rules for handling darkroom equipment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PHOTOGRAPHIC SCREEN MAKING

The Photographic Enlarger

A photographic enlarger is a specialised projector used to produce photographic prints from film negatives or transparencies. It consists of a light source, a negative carrier, a lens, and a baseboard. The enlarger projects an image of the negative onto a light-sensitive material, such as photographic paper or kodalith film, allowing for control over the size and exposure of the final image.

Key components of an enlarger include:

1. Light Source: Provides illumination to pass through the negative.
2. Negative Carrier: Holds the film negative flat and in position.
3. Bellows: Allows for focusing the image by adjusting the distance between the lens and the negative.
4. Lens: Projects the image onto the baseboard.
5. Focusing Knob: Used to achieve a sharp image.
6. Height Adjustment Knob: Changes the size of the projected image.
7. Baseboard: The surface where the light-sensitive material is placed.

Kodalith Translucent Printing Paper

Kodalith translucent printing paper (or film) is a high-contrast, orthochromatic photographic material specifically designed for graphic arts applications, including screen printing. It is sensitive to blue and green light but not red light, making it suitable for darkroom handling under a red safelight.

Characteristics and uses of Kodalith paper:

1. High Contrast: Produces very dense blacks and clear whites, with minimal grey tones, which is ideal for creating sharp line art and text.
2. Translucent Base: Allows light to pass through the clear areas, making it suitable for exposing photosensitive emulsions in screen making.
3. Orthochromatic: Can be handled under a red safelight, simplifying darkroom procedures.
4. Film Positive/Negative Production: Used to create film positives (clear lines on a black background) or film negatives (black lines on a clear background) from original artwork or photographic negatives. These are then used to expose screens for screen printing.

Using the Enlarger and Kodalith Paper for Screen Making

The process of using an enlarger with kodalith translucent printing paper involves several steps, typically performed in a darkroom environment:

1. Darkroom Preparation: Ensure the darkroom is completely light-tight, with only a red safelight providing illumination.
2. Enlarger Setup: Place the negative (e.g., a photographic negative of artwork) into the negative carrier of the enlarger.
3. Focusing and Sizing: Project the image onto the enlarger’s baseboard. Adjust the enlarger’s height to achieve the desired size for the film positive/negative. Use the focusing knob to ensure the image is sharp.
4. Test Strip (Optional but Recommended): To determine the correct exposure time, a test strip can be made by exposing small sections of kodalith paper for varying durations.
5. Kodalith Paper Placement: Place a sheet of kodalith translucent printing paper emulsion-side up on the baseboard in the area where the image is projected. Secure it if necessary.
6. Exposure: Turn on the enlarger light for the determined exposure time. The light passes through the negative, exposing the kodalith paper.
7. Processing: After exposure, process the kodalith paper using appropriate high-contrast developers, stop bath, and fixer, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This step brings out the image.
8. Washing and Drying: Wash the processed kodalith paper thoroughly to remove chemical residues, then dry it.
9. Final Product: The result is a high-contrast film positive or negative that can then be used to expose a photosensitive screen printing emulsion, transferring the image onto the screen.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they know about photographic processes and the importance of clear images in printing. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Photographic Screen Making: Using Enlargers and Kodalith Translucent Printing Paper.”

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about photographic processes and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Importance of photographic clarity

Step 2: Introduction to the Enlarger

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a photographic enlarger is, its main components, and its function in printing craft. The teacher points out the parts of a physical enlarger (if available) or uses a diagram to illustrate.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, observe the enlarger/diagram, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Enlarger definition and parts

Step 3: Introduction to Kodalith Paper

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Description

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes kodalith translucent printing paper, explaining its unique characteristics (high contrast, orthochromatic, translucent base) and why it is crucial for creating film positives/negatives for screen making. The teacher shows a sample of kodalith paper.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, observe the kodalith paper sample, and note its key features.

Learning Point: Kodalith paper characteristics

Step 4: Demonstrating Enlarger Setup

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guidance

Teacher’s Activity: In a simulated or actual darkroom environment (using a red safelight), the teacher demonstrates how to correctly place a negative into the enlarger’s carrier, adjust the height for sizing, and focus the image on the baseboard.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration carefully, paying attention to the steps and safety measures.

Learning Point: Enlarger setup procedure

Step 5: Demonstrating Kodalith Paper Use and Exposure

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to correctly place the kodalith paper on the baseboard and perform the exposure using the enlarger. The teacher explains the importance of correct exposure time.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration of paper placement and exposure, noting the sequence of actions.

Learning Point: Kodalith exposure process

Step 6: Processing and Final Product Explanation

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the subsequent steps of processing the exposed kodalith paper (development, stop, fix, wash, dry) and how the resulting film positive/negative is used in screen printing. The teacher shows an example of a finished film positive/negative.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the explanation of processing and observe the example of a finished film positive/negative.

Learning Point: Post-exposure processing steps

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. What is the primary function of a photographic enlarger?
2. Describe two key characteristics of kodalith translucent printing paper.
3. Mention any three steps involved in using an enlarger with kodalith paper.
4. Why is high contrast important for film positives/negatives in screen making?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding enlarger and kodalith

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the enlarger, kodalith paper, and their use into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reinforces the importance of the enlarger and kodalith paper in achieving precise results for photographic screen making and encourages students to practice safe handling of equipment. The teacher then closes the lesson.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of key concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Practice Exercise/Further Reading

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook or research further on the topic.

1. List and explain the main components of a photographic enlarger.
2. Discuss the advantages of using kodalith translucent printing paper over regular photographic paper for screen making.
3. Draw a simple diagram of an enlarger and label its parts.
4. Research and write a short paragraph on the safety precautions to observe when working in a darkroom.

Lesson Keywords

• Enlarger – A photographic device used to produce prints from negatives or transparencies.
• Kodalith – A high-contrast, orthochromatic photographic material used in graphic arts.
• Translucent – Allowing light to pass through but diffusing it so that objects on the opposite side are not clearly visible.
• Negative Carrier – A part of the enlarger that holds the film negative.
• Film Positive – An image on film with clear lines on a dark background, used for screen exposure.

Differentiation

Support for weaker learners: Provide simplified diagrams of the enlarger and its parts. Offer a step-by-step checklist for using the enlarger and kodalith paper. Pair them with faster learners for practical observation.

Extension for faster learners: Challenge them to research different types of enlargers or alternative high-contrast films used in graphic arts. Ask them to consider how digital methods might compare to traditional photographic screen making.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for:

• “How a photographic enlarger works”
• “Using Kodalith film for screen printing”
• “Darkroom printing basics”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Teachers should prepare the darkroom (or a simulated darkroom setup) and ensure the enlarger and kodalith paper are ready for demonstration. It is crucial to have a functional enlarger and actual kodalith paper for a meaningful practical session. Emphasise safety when handling equipment and any chemicals. Guide students through the demonstration steps clearly, allowing them to observe closely. During Step 8, ensure students copy the Board Summary accurately. Encourage questions throughout the lesson to check understanding and address misconceptions. For faster learners, provide additional research questions or advanced concepts related to photographic screen making. For slower learners, offer one-on-one guidance during the practical observation and simplify explanations.