Capturing Nature

Objective

By the end of this lesson, Key Stage 2 students will understand the basics of black and white photography, have an appreciation for Ansel Adams' work, and create their own black and white landscape photograph.

Curriculum Area and Level

Art and Design, key stage 2, focusing on "developing practical skills in order to communicate ideas."

Materials Needed

• Cameras/tablets with black and white photography settings
• Examples of Ansel Adams' black and white photographs
• Printer (optional for printing photographs)
• Outdoor space or images of natural landscapes
• Paper and pencil for sketching
• Classroom board/Whiteboard markers

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Set the Scene:

   • Begin with a brief discussion about who Ansel Adams was and his contribution to photography, particularly in black and white.
   • Show a few iconic photographs taken by Ansel Adams, highlighting the detail, contrast, and composition.

2. Learning Objective:

   • Explain that today, students will learn to capture the essence of nature through black and white photography, inspired by Ansel Adams.

Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes)

• Quick Sketch:
  • Hand out paper and pencils and ask students to do a quick 2-minute sketch of what they imagine when they think of nature.
  • This will help get them to start thinking visually and about composition.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

1. Photography Basics (5 minutes):

   • Explain:
     • Discuss the basics of black and white photography: emphasis on light, shadow, texture, and composition.
     • Explain how black and white photography can help capture different emotions and details that colour might not.
   • Demonstrate:
     • Show students how to set their cameras or tablets to black and white mode.

2. Outdoor Photography Session (15 minutes):

   • Explore and Shoot:
     • Take the students outside (or around a designated area showing natural elements).
     • Encourage students to look for interesting compositions, paying attention to contrast, light, and shadows.
     • Let them take several photographs, experimenting with angles and focus.

Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes)

1. Group Discussion (5 minutes):

   • Reflect:
     • Upon returning to the classroom, have students share their favourite photograph and explain why they chose that composition and what aspect of nature it captures.
     • Discuss the differences and similarities between the students' photographs and Ansel Adams' style.

2. Print and Display (optional, 5 minutes):

   • Display:
     • Print out the students' favourite photographs if time and resources allow. Create a classroom gallery of their work or have a digital slideshow.

Conclusion and Review (5 minutes)

• Summarise:
  • Recap the main points of the lesson about black and white photography, Ansel Adams, and the importance of composition and contrast.
• Homework:
  • Ask students to bring a black and white photograph of a natural scene from home or to photograph something at home and explain the composition choices the next day.

Extension Activity

• Creative Writing:
  • As an extension, have students write a short story or poem inspired by their favourite black and white photograph.

Assessment

• Participation: in the activities, discussion, and enthusiasm during the lesson.
• Creativity: in the photography task and the quick sketch exercise.
• Understanding: demonstrated in the reflection and sharing portion through their ability to articulate their creative choices and relate them to Ansel Adams' style.

This lesson plan aims to engage students with the high-impact simplicity of black and white photography, inspire them through the iconic works of Ansel Adams, and develop their practical skills in visual art.