Photography can be used in the classroom as a metaphor for scientific
experimentation. Since the tools of photography are scientific
apparatus, a creative exercise in photography is both a scientific
experiment and a creative exploration. The purpose of this course is to
help teachers use experiments with photography both as a technique of
teaching concepts in science and as way of exposing scientific
experimental methodolgy.
Experimenting with photography will be the main focus of this course.
Methods of incorporating these experiments for classroom use will also
be developed. Along the way we will touch on topics including the
nature of light, physical optics, the chemistry of light sensitive
materials and the nature of seeing (both with our eyes and
photographically). In addition, we will explore ideas of image making
as a creative art form, perhaps discovering that science and art are
just different aspects of a similar undertaking.
INSTRUCTOR:
HJ Schmidt has taught physics and photography at both the high school
and college level where he has developed innovative science curricula.
HJ has received grants and awards for his photographic art and his work
is exhibited internationally. HJ has a M.F.A. in Photography and a
Bachelor's Degree in Physics.
CREDIT:
Physics 580 - 2 graduate semester credits.
PREREQUISITES:
Bachelor's degree, at least one college level
course in either chemistry, physics or photography, and one year of
teaching experience. Also, a willingness to take risks and tinker.
TIME COMMITMENT:
6 to 10 hours per week.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This course is designed primarily for middle
and high school science teachers who are interested both in using
photography as a method of teaching science and in exploring photography
as a creative medium. This course could also be useful to art teachers
who are interested in science and bringing the science involved in
light, seeing and photography, into their classroom.
MATERIALS:
Prior to the beginning of the course, participants will receive a course
packet which will contain the required materials for the course.
COST:
Tuition is $50 and will be refunded upon successful
completion of the course. There is no charge for materials. This is a
subsidized course.
SPECIAL COMPUTER REQUIREMENT:
SPECIAL COMPUTER REQUIREMENT:
A Macintosh or IBM-compatible microcomputer running Windows 3.x, Windows 95, or MacOS, and a CD-ROM drive
Direct Internet access (SLIP or PPP connection)
Access to a scanner and graphics software (for example Adobe Photoshop)
A darkroom (literally any space that has a table and can be made completely dark)
A camera that can be used manually (you have control over both aperture and shutter-speed) and will accept filters
A method of getting film developed within 48 hours (either your own darkroom, or a processing lab)
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