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Picture This!
Dee Otero
Lolo Middle School, Lolo, Montana
Subject: Science/Outdoor Education
Grade: 7
"Several parents expressed that they wished they were back
in seventh grade again because they never realized that learning
could be so much fun."
Purpose and Description of Project
The overall goal of the seventh-grade science classes was to develop
a conscientious awareness of the interrelationships between humans
and their environment. Photography played an integral
part in this science program as it was used in conjunction with other
activities to: reinforce the importance of observation and recordkeeping,
develop awareness of the interaction and interdependence among
living and nonliving components of our ecological system, instill
positive attitudes about our environment, establish concern for
human impact on the environment, introduce photography as an art
form, develop a sense of pride in one's work, prepare students
to make decisions and solve problems regarding the environment,
develop class camaraderie to illustrate the interdependence of
man and the ecosystem.
Activities
To meet the above objectives Lolo School took its seventh graders
to Glacier Park two days each fall. The related activities are
these:
- Pre-trip Orientation: Students devoted three class sessions
learning the parts of the
camera
and practicing. They learned
how a picture is physically and chemically taken, and were allowed
to develop and print
film
on a limited volunteer basis.
- On Site: Students used 35 mm cameras to take pictures of anything
that had special meaning for them at the park. They were divided
into four groups for a scavenger hunt.
- Post-trip activities: When students were given a practical
exam using materials and photos gathered on the trip, 90% indicated
an overall understanding of their environment and its relationships.
After students critiqued of the photos, based on originality,
quality, and impact, they compiled and annotated their slides
for presentation to other students and to community organizations.
Throughout the year students utilized their photography skills
to illustrate reports and to share experiences with their pen-pals-a
science class in another part of Montana.
Materials, Resources, and Expenses
Three 35 mm cameras were used; two belonged to the school and
one was borrowed. Students used one of these cameras with telescopic
lens for close-up photos.
Other teachers were actively involved throughout the project.
The home economics teacher taught the students camping and hiking
nutrition: the art teacher showed them pencil sketching techniques
and assisted the student photographers, as did two other teachers
who were amateur photographers. During the trip itself, two park
naturalists presented information on the park's bears and bald
eagles.
Outcomes and Adaptability
Dee Otero found that 90% or more of the students achieved to some
degree the eight goals listed above. Otero's informal survey of
all teacher and student participants indicated the outdoor program
was a huge success and that the photographic activities were particular
favorites.