2 Nature Detectives – Discovering Connections Through Photography

Digital Introductory Activity 2

Introduce children to the basics of photography while encouraging them to explore their environment and observe how different parts of nature are connected. The children will learn how to use cameras or tablets as tools to discover and capture examples of interconnectedness in their kindergarten yard.

Materials

• Cameras or Tablets.
• Digital-free option: Capture images with drawing and refer to their own knowledge of photography, in case you cannot get cameras, tablets or phones in the school.

Instructions

1. Begin by introducing children to photography. Use simple language to explain that a camera or tablet can help us see things more clearly and capture moments that are interesting. Compare and contrast the use of a camera with the use of drawing.

2. Explain that the task will be to go outside and find examples of interconnectedness in nature, just as discussed in the Web of Life activity and make pictures of them.

3. Give short and clear instructions on the use of the camera (see the EduSkills+ materials collection for more information).

   • Holding the Camera

     Show them how to hold the camera or tablet steady with two hands.

   • Focusing

     Teach them how to focus on an object by pointing at it and making sure it’s clear on the screen.

   • Taking a Picture

     Teach them to press the button gently to take a photo.

4. Encourage them to think of what kinds of things they think they could take pictures of outside. Find together some examples of things in nature that are connected.

5. Take the children outside in small groups (2–3 children per camera or tablet). Their mission is to be Nature Detectives and find examples of interconnectedness in their surroundings.

6. Encourage them to look for examples like a bird on a tree, a flower being visited by a bee, leaves falling from a tree onto the ground, ants carrying food… Each group should take a couple of photos.

7. After the outdoor activity, return to the classroom and use a display screen or projector to show the photos taken or drawings made by the children. Talk with the children about how photography can be a tool to learn and explore the world around them, and the importance of capturing images (you can show some scientific illustrations from the time there was no technology to capture nature with cameras). Help them understand that they’ll be using photography (or images in general) in future activities to discover more about nature, the planet we live in, themselves, and each other.