Activity 7A – Elementary

i.   Review Image set G then discuss what elements in your own “backyard” might be

worth exploring (eg. park, forest, shopping centre, schoolyard) 

ii.  Organize and undertake a class “expedition” to this area

  • Arrange to borrow cameras and share them amongst students. Have students  

         individually set and write down a goal for five photographs they plan to make. 

         Do they want to tell a story? Make beautiful pictures? 

  • On your expedition, remind students to stick to their goal and look carefully for 

         the particular details they want in their photographs to help get their ideas

         across. Explain that good photography depends on lighting, and it often takes

         patience to get the light you want, especially outdoors.

iii. Review and display your work

  • Once films are processed upon return, have the class review the photographs

         created.  Individual photographers share their photographs and the goals they set. 

  • Have the class create a display for the classroom, the school or the community.

         Have students produce titles and labels for their photographs.  Invite parents,

         teachers and the community to an exhibition opening.

Activities 7B – Intermediate and Senior

i.  Have students research the 1924 Columbia Icefield expedition using Image Set G,

image descriptions and published resources on the Columbia Icefield (Alberta, Canada). 

See Resource list for published resources.

    • Discuss the following:  What was the mode of travel for this expedition and what

       particular challenges did it present?  What equipment and supplies would the

       expedition have required?

  • Imagine what it would be like to be a member of the expedition.  What would you

        learn?  What would the main challenges?  The main rewards?  How comfortable

       would you have been?

ii.  Organize and undertake a class “expedition”

  • What elements in your own “backyard” might be worth exploring (eg. parks,

        forests, hillsides, river valleys, lakes, mountain peaks, urban landscapes).

  • Plan a hike into the area your group has selected.  Arrange to borrow cameras

        and share them amongst students.

  • Have students individually set and write down goals for the photographs they

        plan to make.  Do they want to capture the day's light?  Tell a story?  Make

        creative images?  Or, capture the essence of the place they are going?

  • On your expedition, remind students to stick to their goals and pay attention

        to light and composition to help get their ideas across.  Stress that good

        photography depends on lighting, and it often takes patience to get the light

        you want, especially outdoors.

iii. Review and exhibit your work

  • Once films are processed upon return, have the class review the photographs

        created.  Individual photographers share their images and intended goals and

        receive feedback from other students.  Discuss the body of “expedition” work

        as a whole.

  • Have the class create an exhibition for the classroom, the school or the community. 

        Have students produce titles and labels for their work. Each label could include a

        brief explanation of the goal for that image. Invite parents, teachers and the

        community to an exhibition opening.

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