Photography Lesson Plans

Students explore the densities and viscosities of fluids as they create a colorful 'rainbow' using household liquids. While letting the fluids in the rainbow settle, students conduct 'The Great Viscosity Race,' another short experiment that illustrates the difference between viscosity and density. Later, students record the density rainbow with sketches and/or photography.

Students discover fluid dynamics related to buoyancy through experimentation and optional photography. Using one set of fluids, they make light fluids rise through denser fluids. Using another set, they make dense fluids sink through a lighter fluid. In both cases, students record beautiful fluid motion. The natural beauty of fluid flow opens the door to seeing the beauty of physics in general.

Students examine emotions. In this photographic links lesson, students demonstrate that photography can communicate emotions and ideas through comments and observations of a variety of images. 

Students examine theme in the photography of Dorothea Lange. In this photography lesson, students analyze photography taken by Dorothea Lange and identify themes that run through each. They design an exhibition that shows how the theme runs through the works of other photographers.

Students explore digital photography.  In this photography and literacy lesson, students take digital photographs of examples of the alphabet in nature after reviewing basic vocabulary and skills that relate to photography.  Students create and share an alphabet book.

Students research an animal. In this research lesson, students utilize various types of technology to gather information about an animal. Students create a class blog and use digital photography for their research.

Students create a patchwork quilt using digital photography.

Students use photography to create a bulletin board that challenges their powers of observation.

Learners put together an art show. In this photography lesson, students learn how to use a digital camera and walk around the school to take pictures. Learners select their favorite photographs and add them to the digital art show.

First graders will take pictures of an adult at work focusing on the tools used, the work site, and job responsibilities. Each student will create  a career book that includes their photos and captions describing each career. While completing the research and projects, 1st graders will also learn about photography, a camera, and appreciate the skills required for various jobs. Adaptation: You could download pictures from the Internet for some of the careers if needed.