Collaborative Lesson Plan

Title: Scene & Unseen

Students are tasked with capturing an image. From that image student must choose an item or object out of
that image that was not the focal point of the scene. Once identified students will use that item or object and
reshoot from the new focal point. This exercise repeats in 5 -10 steps creating an overall story that will be
highlighted at the end of sequence
Grade Level & Subject: 6th-8th Language Arts
Student Profile:
http://www.culpeperschools.org/ms/guidance/characteristics.pdf
The students taking this course are in the early adolescent stages between the ages of 10-13. Socially they
are dealing with the onset of several physical and emotional changes. However, students in this age have
the cognitive development to rationalize, identify patterns, and create sequential order by association. This
age group is typically very active and enjoys theme-based directives that allow them to express themselves
creatively.
Special Needs:
Students in this profile are developing at a continuous pace during this time. Their awareness of social
acceptance is more prevalent as the need to belong and fit in. Instructors will need to know that lack of
clear understanding of the assignment could lead to frustration or difficulty reaching intending objectives.
If there are any students with special needs, any and all accommodations should be made so that these
students are able to participate along with peers.
Objectives:
https://extranet.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Pages/ELA-6-8.aspx
Students will be able to improve photograph compositions and align this objective with effective visual
storytelling.
Students will expand basic media literacy and the impact of visual elements on comprehension and
analysis.
Students will compile separate images to bring together a cohesive story with inference to specific story
line learned. (i.e. mythology, drama, narrative, historical, etc.)
The objects of this lesson are:
1.Students will be able to recognize the principles of photographic composition.
2. Students will be able to use the principles of effective composition in their language art assignments.
Curricular Connections:
Assignment aligns with Common Core Performance Standards 6 th-8th (ELA CCGPS)
Source: https://extranet.georgiastandards.org/CommonCore/Common%20Core%20Frameworks/CCGPS_ELA_Grade6_Standards.pdf

https://extranet.georgiastandards.org/CommonCore/Common%20Core%20Frameworks/CCGPS_ELA_Grade7_Standards.pdf
https://extranet.georgiastandards.org/CommonCore/Common%20Core%20Frameworks/CCGPS_ELA_Grade8_Standards.pdf
Assessment:
Student will take preliminary, pre-post, and post assessment at start, middle, and end point of lesson. (All
assessment links will be provided to students, created in Google Docs).
Pre-Assessment https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10BaiNWLN3Tq3FCGyfbQjJ52yN7tnhNqvq6q_QGNTXg/viewform
Pre-Post Assessment
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LCjj52VL8QqlSaXCIsNCCrN8NwAIXMAe7NNNuz1ULw/viewform
Post Assessment
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tgPdgYRvrabqV4i7y6J638-Fr1ujDVq_KcEO_nvpCfc/viewform
Technology Connections
Students will be required to work together in a classroom setting. Internet will be used to find examples of
completed projects and research photography and language art concepts. Concepts and Terminology will be
tested online through lesson plan. Use of camera equipment and storyboard application will show if photo
and story telling techniques were used.
Students are tasked with capturing an image. From that image student must choose an item or object out of
that image that was not the focal point of the scene. Once identified students will use that item or object and
reshoot from the new focal point. This exercise repeats in 5 -10 steps creating an overall story that will be
highlighted at the end of sequence.
Materials
Camera, Computer, Creativity
Digital cameras and computers will be needed in this lesson. Although it is desirable for everyone to own
his or her own camera, it is not a requirement for the course. Students must have access to a digital still
camera and computer so assignments can be completed on time. Creativity is essential in the creation and
execution of this assignment.
Related Readings
Six Rules of Thumb for Good Photo Cropping
http://www.walsworthyearbooks.com/idea-file/26840/six-rules-of-thumb-for-good-photo-cropping/
Storytelling Composition
http://www.walsworthyearbooks.com/idea-file/26780/storytelling-composition/
Good Photo Cropping
http://www.walsworthyearbooks.com/idea-file/26720/good-photo-cropping
Student Rubric
Criteria

Excellent

Good

Fair

Needs

Creativity

Very creative,
story was engaging
and had elements
of surprise not
expected by
viewer.

Good story had

some elements that
had been seen
before, but had 1-2
items that were
used effectively in
a new way.

Assignment was
completed and
conveyed.
However minimal
creativity put into
completion of the
assignment.
Outcome was
predictable.
Was able to
identify more than
3 areas needed for
improvement with
images used.
(Images blurry, not
balance, off center,
needed cropping)

Skills taught in
Imagery was good
class and with
with only minor
reading materials
areas of
was prevalent.
improvement
Images were sharp needed. Printed at
with correct tonal
correct output for
balance and
maximum quality.
printed at correct
output to enhance
quality.
Story was
Story was cohesive Story was cohesive
Story
cohesive. Main
but was unable to
but was unable to
characters, setting, identify at least 1
identify at least 2
and plot could be
element of story.
major elements of
identified. Used
story.
effective
terminology to
relay story.
Group members
Group members
Group members
Presentation
were well prepared were prepared but
could have
and presentation
was able to
prepared more.
flowed well with
identify 1-2 areas
Met most
all resources
of improvement
objectives however
prepared. Spoke
needed. Met most presentation did
clearly, appeared
of the assignment
not flow well or
professional,
objectives.
exhibit knowledge
exhibited
of completed
knowledge of
project.
completed
projected. Met all
objectives.
Please provide comments for any areas deemed NI. (Needs Improvement) below:
Imagery

Summary of Impact of Lesson Plan on Student Learning

Improvement
Project lacked
creativity. Would
suggest review of
peer critique in
order to improve
assignment

Was unable to
identify any edits
that improved
images. Images
were not printed at
the correct output
to preserve image
quality.
Story was not
cohesive. Was
unable to follow
storyline or
identify 3 or more
major elements
found in story.
Group members
were not prepared
and did not meet
majority of
intended
objectives.

At the completion of this assignment all Common Core Standards and objectives should be met. Students
should leave with an introductory to basic photography concepts including but not limited to understanding
camera basics, understanding focal length, and have a preliminary introduction to basic editing concepts
(cropping, color balance, composition). Students will also be able to tie in major elements found in a
storyline by creating their own characters, plot, scene, setting, climax, and conclusion to their visual story.
This lesson allow students to explore their creativity and think critically as the students will go through
project in stages from planning, production, editing, instructor critique, presentation, and peer evaluation.
This lesson also prepares each student for public speaking and key skillsets that will be needed during the
transition to high school, ultimately having an impact on their social development and preparedness.

Resources
http://www.culpeperschools.org/ms/guidance/characteristics.pdf