I Want To Take A Picture In 1866!
FYFI (For Your Further Information): A Learning Enhancement Exercise

Designed by: Jeff Fouste, Gibbes Middle School

GRADE LEVEL: 8     SUBJECT: U.S. / S.C. History

CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE (S):  Describe the role of technology development in shaping the characteristics of economic, cultural and political regions in South Carolina and the United States.  (8.8.5)

OVERVIEW: In this lesson, the students will work as partners to enhance their understanding of the rapidly changing technology of the 19th century. This lesson may also be used in conjunction with technology or art education and in career exploration. (Depending on the number of computers available per student; you may want to use this as a solo lesson.)

PURPOSE/FOCUS QUESTION (S):

A. How did people record images prior to the advent (or invention) of photography. 

B. What are the steps in taking an 1860s photograph? 

C. What types of knowledge or skills are needed for 1860s type "wet plate" photography? 

D. In your opinion, what was an advantage in using photography rather than sketching to capture images during the Civil War? What are any disadvantages? 

E. What would happen if a subject moved during the photographic process?

TIME FRAME: 2 class periods

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:

A. Computers with Internet access (Students should all have attended the Districts Acceptable Use Policy orientation!) 

B. List of Internet site(s): 

www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eastman/sfeature/wetplate.html (Public Broadcasting Service site)

www.npg.si.edu/exh/brady/brhome/bradcont.html (National Portrait Gallery) 

C. Pen and notebook paper

ASSESSMENT: Students, directed by their teacher, will read and observe the Internet sites and answer the questions listed above. Completion of the assignment and participation will count toward the total grade. A sample rubric has been included for the evaluation.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

A. Students will listen to a teacher-led introduction on the invention of photography. 

B. The teacher will provide some examples of the earliest images from France and the United States. 

C. Students will be asked to find the earliest photograph in both their U.S. and S.C. textbooks. 

D. Using the PBS and the National Portrait Gallery web sites; students will answer the questions listed above (No. 3). 

E. Students should be prepared to discuss and answer questions on the 1860s photographic process using their notes.

RUBRIC: