In this 9-week photography course for 6th graders, students will learn the fundamentals of manual camera settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. They will explore how these settings work together to control exposure, create depth, and capture movement. Throughout the course, learners will photograph weather phenomena, the night sky, and local landscapes, while also recreating historical scenes through the lens of their camera. The course integrates photography with English, math, science, and social studies, offering a creative and well-rounded learning experience.

This live, interactive class is designed to give 6th-grade students their first experience with manual camera settings. Students will learn to control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO through demonstrations, guided practice, and fun photography challenges. Each week, learners will focus on different aspects of photography, such as composition techniques, capturing fast or slow movements, and using depth of field to emphasize specific subjects. They will also delve into science by photographing weather changes and celestial objects, and practice historical documentation through photography.

In addition to live lessons on Zoom, students will share their photos with classmates in group discussions and receive personalized feedback on their work. The class will end with a photography showcase, allowing learners to display their favorite photos taken throughout the course.

This course encourages students to take creative control of their photography, enabling them to tell stories and document the world around them through their own lens.

This course is part of the Focus Academy series offering a complete and comprehensive photography curriculum for all grade levels, Kindergarten through 12th grade. All of these courses meet grade-level academic standards for photography and integrate other art, English, math, science, and social studies skills. Learners can begin at any grade level or take the courses in sequence. 

Focus for 6th Grade Photography: Introduction to Manual Camera Settings

Photography Skill: Understanding and using manual camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO)

English Skill: Writing short stories and essays based on photographs
Math Skill: Ratios and proportions (aperture settings, exposure triangle)
Science Skill: The solar system and weather phenomena (photographing the sky, clouds, stars)
Social Studies Skill: Historical documentation through photography (recreating historical scenes)