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Digital Cameras

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Digital photography can enhance student learning and communication in the areas of math, science, history, reading, writing, and even  social skills. Examples of use include:
  • Photo essays
  • Digital scavenger hunts
  • Prompts for work on literacy skills
  • Math illustrations
  • How-to books
  • Trading cards
Digital photographs can inspire students to plan, write, problem-solve and publish. You can import digital pictures into software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, KidPix, Kidspiration/Inspiration, and AppleWorks.


Examples:

2nd graders go on a field trip to the nature museum. They use a single digital camera to take pictures of the eagle, the goose, the hawk, the gopher snake, the turtle, and the newt. Back in class, the pictures prompt a discussion of what was learned about each animal.

Middle school students reading Kafka's Metamorphosis each brought a baby picture into the computer lab where the images were scanned. Digital cameras were used to take current pictures. Using morphing software from shareware.com, students each morphed themselves from a baby to a student to a bug. Then, using a writing rubric, each student developed a story to go with their illustrations. To watch a 5 minute video on this lesson, visit the VideoClassroom.

High school math students work in groups of four, using digital cameras to collect illustrations of
tessellation patterns. They plug shots of bricks, floor tiles, and other environmental features into a PowerPoint template for presentation to the group. The teacher uses Internet resources as well. See an 8 minute video on this lesson.


Visit
Kirsten Haugen's Vision for Learning site with tutorials, examples, and support for using digital photography in the classroom. For more links to lesson plans by subject or grade, examples, and advice on selecting a camera, visit Jerrie Cheek's Kennesaw State University Digital Camera site.






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