EDTECH 506 Lesson Plans

Digital camera basics: Working with manual settings

Heather Arenth

Spring 2015

Lesson Plan
1. Lesson Title: Understanding Exposure: An introduction to The Exposure Triangle
2. Grade/Age Level: 10th-12th
3. Subject Area: Arts and Humanitites
4. Time allotted for the lesson: 1 hour 45 minutes
5. Short description of lesson:
In this lesson, learners will be introduced to the entire unit and will run through
instructions for the entire unit with the instructor. Participants will learner what
exposure is, levels of exposure, the light meter tool, and elements of the exposure
triangle. Learners will become more familiar with their cameras light meter and
exposure by creating three images at various levels of exposure. Learners will
also be given instructions for the final project using UtellStory.
6. State Curriculum Standards met in this lesson:

9.1.12.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in
the arts and humanities.
9.1.12.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements
and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.1.12.J: Analyze and evaluate the use of traditional and contemporary technologies for
producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.
9.1.12.H: Incorporate the effective and safe use of materials, equipment and tools into
the production of works in the arts at work and performance spaces.

7. Instructional Objectives:
a. Understand exposure and the impact it has on digital images.
b. Become familiar with manual camera settings that impact exposure.
c. Experiment with the light meter to produce images that are over, under, and correctly
exposed.
d. Begin construction of a digital story highlighting their images and experience using
manual settings.
8. Instructional Procedures

a. Lesson Set
The lesson will open up with a quick welcome with students immediately being
broken into groups of 2. They will be required to take a photo of one another
using their DSLR cameras auto setting. Learners will be informed that they will
only take one photo and not have a chance to take a second. Once they have
taken the photo, they will upload it to the Google+ class circle. The instructor will
access the images and quickly run through the images as a slide show to share
the images with students with no discussion. The intention of this activity is to
catch students by surprise with an immediate assignment while peaking their
curiosity.
b. Techniques and activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Peer assignment using auto settings of DSLR cameras.

Viewing of images created using auto mode.
Discussion of exposure and the light meter.
Analysis of peer images in terms of level of exposure.
Video introduction to the exposure triangle.
Discussion of the exposure triangle and the three elements that impact
exposure.
7. Self-reflection of image created using auto settings.
8. Introduction to UtellStory through use of image diagram.
c. Lesson Closure
Learners will have a chance to share self-reflections with class answering 2
questions: (1) Do you feel the auto setting takes correctly exposed images most
of the time? Why? (2) Now that you are aware of the light meter how important
do you think this tool will be as you venture into creating images with the 3
settings that impact exposure? Why? After discussion, the lesson will end with a
brief explanation of Lesson 1 assignment and introduction to Lesson 2 topic.
Learners will also be required to watch a short tutorial created to demonstrate
how to use Utellstory slide creator.
9. Adaptations for special learners
Learners requiring special accommodations will be supported by both the instructor as
well as peers. Various things that will be taken into consideration to accommodate
student will be: appropriate amplification, seating close to instructor and promethean
board, providing of information prior to lesson, and collaboration with parents and
special education teachers for further assistance.
10. Supplemental Activities: Extension and remediation

Students will have access to videos used as well as information presented during the lesson
via the instructional website. They will also have opportunities to discuss lesson topics
with instructor 1:1 if necessary.

11. Assessment/Evaluation
For this lesson, assessment will be done informally through class discussion as well as selfevaluation of the auto mode images (in class) and assignment (outside class). Feedback
for in class discussion/activities will be provided verbally through praise and guidance
using constructive feedback. The assignment will be evaluated through a learner created
document answering questions regarding their images and experiences. On the
documents, comments will be provided as well as questions (when needed) to prompt
students to show a deeper understanding of the topic.
12. Learner Products
Products produced by students include: auto mode images, images using light meter on
camera, and self-evaluation document.

Lesson Plan
1. Lesson Title: ISO Sensitivity and the Impact on Digital Images
2. Grade/Age Level: 10th-12th
3. Subject Area: Arts and Humanities
4. Time allotted for the lesson: 1 hour 45 minutes
5. Short description of lesson (write a brief, yet concise description of what occurs in this lesson):
In this lesson, learners will be lead through a discussion and gain experience with
ISO in terms of what it is, how levels impact exposure and image quality, the
concept of noise as a result of using different ISO settings, and typical settings
for various levels of light.
6. State Curriculum Standards met in this lesson:

9.1.12.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in
the arts and humanities.
9.1.12.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements
and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.1.12.J: Analyze and evaluate the use of traditional and contemporary technologies for
producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.
9.3.12.G: Analyze works in the arts by referencing the judgments advanced by arts critics
as well as ones own analysis and critique.
9.1.12.H: Incorporate the effective and safe use of materials, equipment and tools into
the production of works in the arts at work and performance spaces .

7. Instructional Objectives (Each instructional objective [learning outcome] for this lesson):
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Show an understanding of the ISO sensitivity setting and how it affects image quality.
Become familiar with ISO manual camera settings that impact exposure.
Experiment with ISO settings to produce images that are correctly exposed.
Create images using various types of ISO settings.
Assess images, provide feedback, comments, and/or make suggestions to improve
image quality.

f. Continue construction of digital story highlighting their images and experience using
manual settings.
8. Instructional Procedures
a. Lesson Set
To introduce the concept of ISO, a demonstration using a radio will be performed. This
will be done by using the volume on the computer speakers. A song playing at 0
volume will start out the demonstration. Slowly the volume will be increased with the
volume number showing on the Promethean board. Upon completion of the
demonstration, learners will be asked two questions: (1) What happened to the noise
level as the volume level changed? (2) What does this have to do with ISO settings?
The purpose of this example is to generate interest in ISO settings and help learners
make the connection to increasing levels of ISO and an increase in noise graininess
in images.
b. Techniques and activities (List the step-by-step activities in sequential order as they
occur in the lesson. They clearly identify what is to take place in the lesson. Within the
procedures a variety of classroom teaching strategies (methods) should be identified.
Learner centered activities should be included as well as guided practice of the
learning.)
1.
2.
4.
5.

6.

Noise demonstration and introduction to ISO noise image.

Discussion of ISO Sensitivity and how ISO levels impact exposure.
Examination of ISO settings and lighting.
Small group assignment: internet research of ISO example images and using ISO
setting numbers to create gradient scales/diagram depicting sensitivity to light
and image noise.
Presentation and analysis of scales/diagram

c. Lesson Closure
Learners will present small group project to the class. Learners will provide
constructive peer feedback with small group members describing changes they
would make to their diagrams based on peer feedback. After the presentations, a
discussion will provide a brief overview of the lesson and instructions for Lesson 2
assignment. Learners will also be provided with the title of the topic for Lesson 3
on Aperture.
9. Adaptations for special learners
Learners requiring special accommodations will be supported by both the instructor as
well as peers. Various things that will be taken into consideration to accommodate
student will be: appropriate amplification, seating close to instructor and promethean
board, providing of information prior to lesson, and collaboration with parents and
special education teachers for further assistance.

10. Supplemental Activities: Extension and remediation

Students will have access to information presented during the lesson via the instructional
website. They will also have opportunities to discuss lesson topics or ask questions on
ISO settings and their camera with instructor 1:1 if necessary. Learners will also have
access to image examples using ISO sensitivity settings. Remediation will be provided as
learners work through the class assignment. Here they will practice with ISO settings and
different lighting. Learners will also have the ability to ask for peer/instructor feedback
while working on outside of the classroom assignments.

11. Assessment/Evaluation:
For this lesson, assessment will be done informally through class discussion of the small
group ISO diagrams. Feedback for in class discussion/small group activity will be provided
verbally through praise and guidance using constructive feedback. The scales/diagrams
will also be evaluated through by instructor with comments regarding things done well
and areas that may need improvement. Self-evaluation for ISO images will be completed
for the individual assignment (outside class). Learners will provide self-evaluations on
their ISO images which will be inserted into their digital story using Utellstory. They will
reflect on changes they saw in their image using each setting, why they chose a particular
setting to create the image, and whether they accepted some grain or noise in an image
to capture a certain image. Instructor assessment will be utilized after completion of
learners digital story which will occur after completion of the lesson 4 assignment.

12. Learner Products

Products produced by students include: small group scales/diagram, ISO images using 6
specified settings, and self-evaluation.

Lesson Plan
1. Lesson Title: Aperture: More than Just F-Stops

2. Grade/Age Level: 10th-12th

3. Subject Area: Arts and Humanities

4. Time allotted for the lesson: 1 hour 45 minutes

5. Short description of lesson (write a brief, yet concise description of what occurs in this lesson):
In this lesson, learners gain an understanding of the second element of the
Exposure Triangle: Aperture. Things that will be discussed regarding aperture
include: what is aperture, the correlation between aperture settings and the
amount of light let into camera, and depth of field.
6. State Curriculum Standards met in this lesson:

9.1.12.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in
the arts and humanities.
9.1.12.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements
and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.1.12.J: Analyze and evaluate the use of traditional and contemporary technologies for
producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.
9.3.12.G: Analyze works in the arts by referencing the judgments advanced by arts critics
as well as ones own analysis and critique.
9.1.12.H: Incorporate the effective and safe use of materials, equipment and tools into
the production of works in the arts at work and performance spaces.

7. Instructional Objectives (Each instructional objective [learning outcome] for this lesson):
a. Show an understanding of the Aperture setting and how it affects image quality.
b. Become familiar with Aperture camera settings and the impact on digital images.
c. Experiment with Aperture settings to produce images using depth of field.

d. Assess images, provide feedback, comments, and/or make suggestions to improve

image quality.
e. Continue construction of digital story highlighting their images and experience using
manual settings.
8. Instructional Procedures
a. Lesson Set
To introduce the topic of Aperture, learners will engage in an instructor led
experiment. This experiment will consist of the use of a lens to demonstrate 8
different f-stops ranging from f/2 to f/22 and a flash light. The instructor will
place a piece of paper on the wall, hold the lens about 6 inches away from the
paper and have a student shine the flashlight through the lens while a peer draws
a circle around the light shining onto the paper. At the end of the demonstration,
each f-stop will be written underneath each circle. The instructor will lead a brief
discussion on what happens to the light when they reached the smallest f-stop.
b. Techniques and activities (List the step-by-step activities in sequential order as
they occur in the lesson. They clearly identify what is to take place in the lesson.
Within the procedures a variety of classroom teaching strategies (methods)
should be identified. Learner centered activities should be included as well as
guided practice of the learning.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Aperture lens and light control demonstration with discussion.

Discussion of Aperture f-stops, changes to image brightness, and depth of field
Video photography tutorial on aperture and f-stops.
Small group assignment based on tutorial: In groups of 2, learners will
photograph an object using different f-stops creating changes in depth of field.
Groups will choose best images and create a slide show to present to peers and
instructor for feedback.
Presentation and analysis of depth of field images.

c. Lesson Closure:
To close out the lesson, learners will engage in a short 10 question computer
based quiz on aperture. Upon completion of the quiz, a discussion will provide a
brief overview of the lesson and instructions for Lesson 3 assignment. Learners
will also be provided with the title of the topic for Lesson 4 on Shutter Speed.
9. Adaptations for special learners
Learners requiring special accommodations will be supported by both the instructor as well
as peers. Various things that will be taken into consideration to accommodate student will
be: appropriate amplification, seating close to instructor and promethean board, providing
of information prior to lesson, and collaboration with parents and special education teachers
for further assistance. In regards to the closing quiz, the instructor can accommodate

learners with special needs by leading learners through the quiz by reading each question
and using the Promethean board to display the questions.

10. Supplemental Activities: Extension and remediation

Students will have access to information presented during the lesson via the instructional
website. They will also have opportunities to discuss lesson topics or ask questions
regarding Aperture settings and their camera with instructor 1:1 if necessary. Learners
will also have access to image examples using Aperture settings. Remediation will also be
provided as learners work through the class assignment. Here they will practice with
Aperture settings and depth of field as they did for small group work. Learners will also
have the ability to ask for peer/instructor feedback while working on outside of the
classroom assignments.
11. Assessment/Evaluation:
For this lesson, assessment will be done informally through class discussion of the small
group Depth of Field Images. Feedback for in class discussion/small group activity will be
provided verbally through praise and guidance using constructive feedback by both
peers and instructor. Self-evaluation for the Aperture/depth of field images will be
completed for the individual assignment (outside class). Learners will provide
selfevaluations on their Aperture images which will be inserted into their digital story
using Utellstory. They will reflect on depth of field changes they saw in their image using
each f-stop, how they made use of f-stops and depth of field to create artistic imagery,
and image effects they would have liked to of achieved using aperture. Formal instructor
assessment will be utilized after completion of learners digital story which will occur
after completion of the lesson 4 assignment.

12. Learner Products

Products produced by students include: Aperture and Depth of Field images (both small group
and self) and small group image slideshow

Lesson Plan
1. Lesson Title: Shutter Speed: Lets Catch and Create Motion
2. Grade/Age Level: 10th-12th
3. Subject Area: Arts and Humanities
4. Time allotted for the lesson: 1 hour 45 minutes
5. Short description of lesson (write a brief, yet concise description of what occurs in this lesson):
In this lesson, learners will be lead through a discussion and gain experience with
shutter speed in terms of what it is, shutter speed settings, which settings to use
for movement and their results as well as how one can use shutter speed to catch
and create motion in digital images.
6. State Curriculum Standards met in this lesson:

9.1.12.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in
the arts and humanities.
9.1.12.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements
and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.1.12.J: Analyze and evaluate the use of traditional and contemporary technologies for
producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.
9.3.12.G: Analyze works in the arts by referencing the judgments advanced by arts critics
as well as ones own analysis and critique.
9.1.12.H: Incorporate the effective and safe use of materials, equipment and tools into
the production of works in the arts at work and performance spaces.

7. Instructional Objectives (Each instructional objective [learning outcome] for this lesson):
a.
b.
c.
d.

Show an understanding of the shutter speed and how it affects image quality.
Become familiar with Shutter Speed camera settings.
Experiment with Shutter Speed to produce images that freeze and show motion.
Assess images, provide feedback, comments, and/or make suggestions to improve
image quality.
e. Continue construction of digital story highlighting their images and experience using
manual settings.

8. Instructional Procedures
a. Lesson Set
To open the lesson, learners will engage in a game using a virtual DSLR camera.
This game, provided by Canon, allows users to virtually play with the settings of a
DSLR camera to capture images using shutter speed. One of the key parts of this
is users not only move the shutter speed to freeze or show motion but will also
have to change the ISO or aperture settings till the exposure meter reaches 0. If
the meter does not reach or get close to 0 the image will not be properly
exposed. Images taken through the game will be saved and shown to learners as
they take photos. This game is a great way to demonstrate how images are
impacted by different shutter speed settings as well as give learners practice
moving other manual settings to get proper exposure.
b. Techniques and activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Virtual DSLR camera game instructor demonstration and instructions.

Learner engagement in DSLR camera game.
Presentation and discussion about shutter speed.
Small group task: In groups of 2, learners will use their cameras to capture and
create motion using shutter speed settings.
Groups will choose best images and create a slide show to present to peers and
instructor for feedback.
Presentation and analysis of shutter speed images.
Engagement in virtual DSLR camera game Challenge.

c. Lesson Closure
The lesson will come to a close with a brief summary of information and learner
engagement in a Challenge Activity which will be completed using the Canon
virtual DSLR camera game. Once the challenge activity is completed, there will be
a review of instructions for the final digital story project.
9. Adaptations for special learners
Learners requiring special accommodations will be supported by both the instructor as
well as peers. Various things that will be taken into consideration to accommodate
student will be: appropriate amplification, seating close to instructor and promethean
board, providing of information prior to lesson, and collaboration with parents and
special education teachers for further assistance. In regards to engagement in the
virtual game, the instructor can accommodate learners with special needs by pairing
them up with a peer.

10. Supplemental Activities: Extension and remediation

Students will have access to information presented during the lesson via the instructional
website. They will also have opportunities to discuss lesson topics or ask questions
regarding shutter speed settings and their camera with instructor 1:1 if necessary.
Learners will also have access to image examples using shutter speed settings.
Remediation will also be provided as learners work through the class assignment. Here
they will practice with shutter speed settings to catch and create motion. Learners will
also have the ability to ask for peer/instructor feedback while working on outside of the
classroom assignments. They will also be provided the link to the Virtual DSLR Camera
Game to practice using all of the manual settings.
11. Assessment/Evaluation:
For this lesson, assessment will be done informally through class discussion of the small
group shutter speed images. Feedback for in class discussion/small group activity will be
provided verbally through praise and guidance using constructive feedback by both peers
and instructor. Self-evaluation for the Shutter Speed motion images will be completed for
the individual assignment (outside class). Learners will provide selfevaluations on their
images which will be inserted into their digital story using Utellstory. They will reflect on
shutter speed and motion by discussing how they made use of shutter speed to create
artistic imagery through freezing and using motion, and image effects they would have
liked to of achieved using shutter speed but could not figure out how. Formal instructor
assessment will be utilized after completion of learners digital story. The rubric is
attached to the end of this lesson plan.

12. Learner Products

Products produced by students include: Shutter Speed images (both small group and self),
small group image slideshow, and final digital story.