Teacher's Guide

Procedure

Activity 1: Introduction to photographic analysis   (1 class period)

Model objective and subjective photographic analysis and guide students through a group analysis of photographs in Gallery One. The photographs section of Media Analysis Tools offers additional worksheets that guide students into objective and subjective analysis of images.

1. Using objective observation, students look at the photograph in depth to identify precisely what is seen in the photograph without interjecting their own thoughts and experiences.
2. Using subjective observation, students look at the photograph in an interpretive way to draw out additional information and to make inferences based on what is seen and known.
3. By asking questions of the image, students identify areas of interest or concern regarding the photograph and use these questions to attain more information.
4. Using key terms, derived largely from questions generated in the previous step, students search to further expand their knowledge of western U.S. culture.

Activity 2: Group practice   (1 class period)

1. In groups of 3-4, students select a photograph from Gallery Two, Gallery Three, or Gallery Four.
   (Note: The first two photographs in Gallery Two include guided practice.)
2. Individually, students write two objective observations about the photograph.
3. Students share objective observations with the group.
4. Individually, students write two subjective observations about the photograph.
5. Students share subjective observations with the group.
6. Individually, students write two questions that they have concerning their observations and share with the group.

Activity 3: Application   (2 class periods)

Students write/revise first person narratives.

Day One:

1. Review the First Person Narrative Guide with students.
2. Allow students time to search American Memory for a photograph of interest. Students should chose a photograph that includes people.

Day Two: (This will not be a consecutive day.)

1. On first draft due date, students share their narratives with other students.
2. Each student should peer edit at least two of their classmates' narratives.
3. Students revise their narratives.
4. Final drafts should be mounted to the photograph.

Evaluation

1. Teacher Anecdotal Records of student participation.
2. First person narratives.

Extension

1. Students can examine personal narratives from American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936 - 1940 and identify cultural components and contributions.
2. Students can interview and photograph local people (at least two generations older) in order to create a presentation entitled, "Images of Our People."