Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 11
Cyanotype: using the power of the sun
I can create a cyanotype print and refine it digitally to explore composition and contrast.
- Year 11
Cyanotype: using the power of the sun
I can create a cyanotype print and refine it digitally to explore composition and contrast.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cyanotype is an early photographic process using UV light to create blue toned images.
- Light exposure and object placement affect the final result of a cyanotype.
- Photograms explore composition through shape, light, and shadow.
- Contrast can be manipulated by exposure time and material transparency.
Keywords
Cyanotype - a photographic printing process that produces a cyan blue image using sunlight and light-sensitive chemicals
Exposure - the amount of light allowed to hit the light-sensitive surface to create an image
Photogram - an image made without a camera by placing objects directly on a light-sensitive surface and exposing it to light
Contrast - the difference between light and dark areas in an image
Common misconception
Cyanotype images always appear instantly after sun exposure.
The image develops gradually and deepens in colour after rinsing and drying; exposure time and sunlight intensity affect results.
To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Cyanotype: using the power of the sun, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Cyanotype: using the power of the sun, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Photography unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Cyanotype paper. Sunlight or UV lamp. Transparent/opaque objects (e.g. leaves, acetate paper, lace). Water trays. Protective gloves and aprons. Drying rack. Cameras, tablets and digital art software.
Licence
Lesson video
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