The technique of using toy cameras for both black-and-white and color photography in the art class is described. The author suggests that expensive equipment can limit the growth of a beginning photographer by emphasizing technique and equipment instead of in-depth experience with composition fundamentals and ideas. (KC)

Describes how faculty-produced 35 mm slides can be used to enhance student interest in political science in undergraduate college level courses. Emphasis is placed on copying existing photos and on fieldwork where political events are photographed. Information is presented on copyright law, photographic equipment, and slide program technique.…

Described are various methods for producing black and white photographs of microscope slides using single lens reflex, fixed lens, and plate cameras. Procedures for illumination, film processing, mounting, and projection are also discussed. A table of comparative film speeds is included. (CS)

Maintains that photographs taken by children for children can serve to stimulate their creativity and verbal communication skills. (CM)

Presents an activity in which students gather their own snowflake collection in search of matching crystals. Students stretch plastic wrap over embroidery hoops that provide a snowflake-catching surface. Snowflakes are viewed under a microscope and photographed. (MDH)

Discusses Henri Cartier-Bresson's notion of the "aesthetic of the decisive moment" and its role in photographic composition. Argues that recording spontaneous moments from real life can produce significant and complex photographs. Suggests that instilling this technique in photography students frees them to experiment without fear of…

Presents a low-cost activity in which students dissect cameras and build telescopes. (WRM)

Exposure to ideas helps young children articulate their own beliefs and sharpens their connections. Teachers can provide opportunities for children to advance their knowledge about democratic conditions through sustained discourse, or, as described in this article, purposeful class discussions followed by hands-on activities. The author describes…

The first of a three-part series on teaching about photography, this article argues that photography is significantly different from drawing and painting and that the differences should be highlighted so that photography can be appreciated for what it uniquely offers. The concepts treated are selectivity, instantaneity, and credibility. (JDH)

In this art activity students are asked to make drawings based on projected images of photographic slides. Teachers can project their own personal slides or the slides of old masters for the activity. It is a unique way to motivate students. (RM)

Many historians call the Civil War the central event in U.S. history. The formation of the U.S. Constitution corrected the autonomy of individual states that the Articles of Confederation did not harness. The young country struggled for 75 years to find a graceful balance between the power of the federal government and that of the states. The…

Middle grades students read, write, speak, listen, and research as they interview a partner and write an article, write a personal memoir, take partner photographs, and use the Internet to find pictures and information illustrating their partners interests. Results are shared in the form of a poster and a classroom presentation. During the fifteen…

Books of photographs suitable for class study are reviewed. Related classroom photography projects are suggested. (SJL)

Asserting that photography teachers must emphasize the aesthetic aspects of photography over the technical, the author outlines a field trip activity and the necessary preparation for it. (SJL)

Outlines the development of an after school science club in which students find a science topic of interest and create a storyboard through photographs. Includes tips for shooting photographs and equipment suggestions. (DDR)