Let's Make a Working Pinhole Camera From Household Materials!
In two 35-minute classes learners will make a working pinhole camera with ordinary household materials. The project is safe, inexpensive, and fun. It's also a great starting point for young artists interested in alternative photography.
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursProjects
1-2 hours per week. This class revolves around one project. Learners will build their own pinhole camera. The quality of the camera is the evaluation that parents can use to determine whether their learner has completed the class satisfactorily. Also, I will gladly evaluate the camera and give advice for improvement upon request.Grading
These two classes require learners to complete one project. The quality of the pinhole camera they build is the evaluation. If they don't succeed in building a working camera the first time, I will offer advice on how to improve the camera or build a second one. Since the class is short and intended mostly to be a fun experience, no grade will be assigned unless requested by the learner or their parents.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
In this two session class learners will build a pinhole camera from scratch using household materials. The camera will be made out of a cardboard oatmeal can that uses a tiny hole the size of a pin as the lense. The camera can be used either as a camera obscura (a camera that projects an image onto the lid of the oatmeal can) or as a camera to take pictures using inexpensive sun print paper that requires only water to develop the image. The camera is capable of taking pictures using processes more complex than sun print paper, but these more advanced processes will be covered in subsequent classes if there is demand for them. This class will include an introduction that covers the basics of how cameras work and how the earliest photographers captured images using cameras similar to the one we will be making in this class. Then learners will use scissors, glue, a little paint, a ruler and a pin to turn an ordinary oatmeal can into a working camera. The process of cutting out the parts, putting them together and painting them will be covered so that learners watch me build the camera. This class will introduce learners to the history of photography and to the basics of how a camera works. This knowledge will prove useful to any up-and-coming photographer or artist, though the class is a fun and enriching activity more than it is serious work.
Learning Goals
Learners will learn the basics of how a camera works, as well as how early photographers captured images with simple cameras.Learners will build their own working camera in a hands-on experience that will reinforce what they learn about how cameras work.
Syllabus
2 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Making the parts
In this lesson we will learn the basics of cameras and cut out the parts to build one from cardboard. Students will then paint the camera. 35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Bringing it together
In lesson two we will glue the parts together and learn how to use the camera. 35 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners must use scissors to cut cardboard, and they must also use a push pin to form the pinhole lens. Scissors and pins are sharp and learners can cut themselves if they are not careful.
Learners must use super glue and acrylic paint. Learners must be advised to keep these chemicals out of their eyes, mouth, nose and ears.
Super glue is toxic; learners must not ingest super glue. Learners must not inhale concentrated super glue fumes. If learners ingest super glue or get it in their eyes they must be given immediate medical attention.
Wearing safety glasses while using super glue is required. Learners must not wipe or touch their eyes while using super glue.
Because super glue is very sticky and dries quickly, learners are advised to wear latex gloves while using super glue.
Acrylic poster paint is non-toxic, but learners must keep it away from their eyes, mouths and faces.
The sun print paper that learners can use to take pictures with the camera is non-toxic and intended to be child-friendly, but it should not be ingested or go into anyone's mouth.
For all of these reasons, adult supervision is recommended for this activity. This is especially so for younger learners.
Pre-Requisites
Anyone who can use scissors, a ruler, a push pin, super glue and a paint brush has what it takes to master building this pinhole camera.
Supply List
Camera materials: A cardboard oatmeal can (clear lid preferred), a pair of scissors, super glue, black acrylic paint, a small paint brush about one inch across, a one foot ruler, a push pin or thumbtack, a piece of string about six to eight inches long, paper towel, a pencil, some tape, sun print paper (optional) Safety Gear: One pair safety glasses Latex gloves
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Social Sciences from Michigan Technological University
Bachelor's Degree in History from Northern Michigan University
I have worked with students of all age groups from kindergarten to college. I also have years of experience teaching and tutoring a wide variety of subjects.
I began my teaching career in 2006 as a tutor at Bay de Noc Community College while working on my bachelor's degree. I helped students master subjects that included algebra, English, and biology. Working in this position I learned that patience and a positive attitude toward learners are virtues for any teacher.
After graduating from Northern Michigan University with my bachelor's of Science in history in 2009, I worked as a substitute teacher in the Michigan Public Schools for two years from 2010-2011. I taught students in every grade level, though the older kids were my favorite because their course material is more interesting to me.
The pinnacle of my education as a teacher was my tenure as a graduate teaching assistant at Michigan Technological University from 2013-2015. While working on my master's of science in archaeology at Michigan Tech I helped professors teach "Archaeological Field Methods," "The Military History of the United States," and "Global Issues." This position required me to conduct lectures on these topics, though most of my responsibilities were aimed at guiding learners through the research writing process and giving them valuable feedback on their progress.
While at Michigan Tech I also got to spend lots of time in the university library and archives researching my graduate thesis, "Lenses of Industry, the Rise of Industrial Photography in the United States and the Lake Superior Mining District, 1880-1933." During this project I learned a lot about the history of photography, which I am eager to share with learners.
Last but not least, I have spent thousands of hours taking pictures using a wide variety of film cameras and chemical photographic processes. I have my own darkroom and all the equipment necessary to teach learners anything they wish to know about analog cameras and historic/alternative photographic processes. I think taking pictures using film and paper is great fun, and I believe learners here on Outschool will think so too.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
for 2 classes2x per week, 1 week
35 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
1-12 learners per class
