Digital Cameras

Specific Objectives: Students will be able to
• recall terminology related to digital cameras
• know the different types of digital cameras and the benefits of each
• know the techniques involved in taking quality digital photos
• transfer digital photos from their camera to their computer
• know what basic editing should be done on a digital photo before using

TEKS Correlations: 130.272(c)(4)
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result in the elimination of one or more of the TEKS listed.
(C) use available reference tools such as user manuals, both online and written as appropriate;
(D) demonstrate understanding of the process of connecting peripheral devices;
(E) demonstrate proficiency in the use of a variety of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, microphone, digital camera, printer, scanner, and optical disk reader.

Instructional Aids:
• Digital Camera Word Search Puzzle
• Digital Camera Worksheet
• Digital Camera Activity
• Digital Camera Presentation

Materials Needed:
• Copies of the instructional aids and presentation on digital cameras
• Computer equipped with graphic editing software
• Projector

Learner:
Students will need a basic understanding of their photo editing software and should complete the Digital Camera Word Search prior to the presentation so they have exposure to the terminology and will recognize them during the presentation.

Introduction:
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
Students should have already been exposed to the digital camera terms on the Word Search.
ASK, “How many of you have a digital camera?”
ASK, “How many of you know what your camera’s megapixel setting is?” (Most likely students will know this answer and assume that the high megapixel rating is always better.)
ASK, “If you were having digital pictures made into prints, which camera do you think would produce higher quality results—a 4 megapixel or an 8 megapixel?”
SAY, “Actually if everything was the same on the camera except the megapixels, they both would produce the same results. You would not get any better quality photo with the 8 megapixel on an 8 x 10 print. This lesson will teach you the basics of the digital camera, how it works, how to take good pictures, and common editing techniques.”

Show the Digital Camera Presentation
Outline: (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the presentation, slides, and handouts

Instructor Notes:
I. Distribute the Digital Camera Word Search to students. Students should have exposure and recognize the following terms:
A. pixels
B. megapixel
C. camera
D. digital
E. viewfinder
F. compact
G. dslr
H. zoom
I. focus
J. resizing
K. crop
I. Students should complete the word search before the teacher presents the less
II. Give the students the Digital Camera Worksheet to complete during the presentation.
II. Students should complete the worksheet during the presentation.
III. Show the presentation on digital cameras
A. Digital photos overview
B. Knowing your camera
i. What is a digital camera?
ii. Megapixels
iii. Lcd
iv. Viewfinder
v. Osd
C. Types of digital cameras
i. Ultra compact digital cameras
ii. Compact digital cameras
iii. Advanced digital cameras
iv. Digital single lens reflex cameras
D. Taking digital photos
i. Rule of thirds
ii. Focusing on the subject
iii. Zoom
E. Transferring photos
F. Editing concepts
i. Adjusting the color settings
ii. Cropping images
iii. Resizing images
III. Go through the presentation with the students. The instructor should have an understanding of the material and be able to elaborate on each of the topics.

IV. Demonstration
A. Show the students the digital camera and point out the different parts:
1. Power switch
2. Lenses
3. View finder
4. Electronic viewfinder
5. USB or memory stick
6. Battery
7. Setting adjustment
8. Shutter button
B. Demonstrate taking a picture of a student or of an object.
C. Show students how to transfer the photo to the computer.

IV. The instructor should know how to use the digital camera, how to transfer photos from it, and how to use the image editing software available in the classroom.
D. Show the students the image editing software they will use to edit their photo.
E. Show students how to resize, crop, and adjust the brightness and contrast of the image.

V. Students should complete the Digital Photo Activity in groups of 2.
A. Students take quality digital photos
1. Rule of Thirds
2. Proper zoom & focusing
B. Students transfer images
C. Students edit images
D. Summative questions following activity

VI. Assign each student a partner and allow them to select a background with scenery. They may need to go outside to take their photo.
Instructor should closely monitor this activity.

Application: Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The instructor should demonstrate using a digital camera and how to transfer a photo to the computer for editing.

Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will complete the Digital Camera Activity.

Summary:
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
ASK, “On the basis of what you have learned in this lesson, what are some things you should consider before purchasing a digital camera?”
ASK, “If you were to send a friend a photo you took with your digital camera, how would you prepare the image for sending?”
ASK, “How is the megapixel rating related to the quality of prints you can get from your digital camera?”
The teacher should review the Summative Questions at the end of the Digital Camera Activity.

Evaluation: Informal
1. During the presentation, the teacher should ask open-ended questions periodically to check for understanding.
2.The teacher should observe the students during the guided practice to evaluate their understanding how to take, transfer, and edit digital photos.

Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
The teacher should review the worksheet using the provided key and the final photos that the students took during their activity to determine if they successfully took a photo, transferred it to their computer, and edified it.
Extension