Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Geometric Optics: Camera Obscura

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The aim of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students understand the fundamental concepts of geometric optics and the practical application of the dark room. It is crucial that students develop practical skills, such as building and using the dark room, and are able to solve real problems related to these techniques. This knowledge is directly applicable in fields such as photography, cinema, and optical design, connecting the theory learned with real market demands.

Main Objectives

1. Explain the basic principles of geometric optics and the functioning of a dark room.

2. Develop practical skills to build and use a dark room.

3. Calculate the size of the image formed in the dark room and the distance from the dark room to the object.

Side Objectives

1. Promote understanding of the mathematical relationship between distance, size of the object, and size of the image.
2. Stimulate scientific curiosity and critical thinking through experimental activities.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

Purpose: The aim of this stage is to spark student interest and contextualize the importance of the dark room in history and the current job market. This prepares students for the practical activities to follow, connecting theory to practice and showcasing the relevance of the knowledge gained.

Contextualization

Contextualization: The dark room is a fundamental device in the history of optics and photography. Its basic principles were used by Renaissance artists to project images of landscapes and models, assisting in the creation of precise works of art. Today, these principles are the basis for the operation of modern cameras and optical devices used in various fields, from medicine to astronomy.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities and Connection with the Market: The dark room was first described by Alhazen, an Arab scientist, in the 11th century. It is the precursor to modern cameras. In the job market, the concepts of geometric optics are applied in various areas, such as manufacturing cameras, eyeglass lenses, medical instruments, and even in security and surveillance systems. Understanding how a dark room works can open doors to careers in photography, cinema, optical product design, and engineering.

Initial Activity

Initial Activity: Show a short video (2-3 minutes) that demonstrates the construction and functioning of a dark room. Then, raise the provocative question: 'How can such a simple device be the basis for the advanced technologies we use today?'

Development

Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

The aim of this stage is to allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context, developing technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, the construction and use of the dark room encourage teamwork and critical thinking, preparing students for real challenges in the job market.

Covered Topics

1. Principles of Geometric Optics
2. Concept and Functioning of the Dark Room
3. Practical Applications of the Dark Room
4. Mathematical Relationship between Distance, Size of the Object, and Size of the Image

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the simplicity of the dark room contrasts with the complexity of modern cameras, highlighting the technological evolution and the permanence of the basic principles of geometric optics. Encourage students to think about other technologies that, despite being advanced, still rely on simple fundamental concepts.

Mini Challenge

Construction and Use of a Dark Room

Students will be divided into small groups and given materials to build a simple dark room. They will then use it to project images of objects and measure the distance and size of the images formed.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 4 students.
2. Distribute the materials: cardboard boxes, tracing paper, adhesive tape, scissors, utility knives, and rulers.
3. Instruct the students to cut a small hole in one side of the cardboard box and attach tracing paper on the opposite side.
4. Ask the students to position the box to project the image of a distant object onto the tracing paper.
5. Guide students to measure the distance between the hole and the tracing paper, as well as the size of the projected image.
6. Request that they calculate the relationship between the distance from the dark room to the object and the size of the image using the formulas of geometric optics.

Objective: Develop practical skills in constructing and using a dark room, as well as applying geometric optics concepts to solve real problems.

Duration: (35 - 40 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Calculate the size of the image formed in a dark room if the distance from the object to the dark room is 2 meters and the distance from the hole to the tracing paper is 10 cm. Consider that the size of the object is 1 meter.
2. A student builds a dark room and observes that the image of an object 50 cm tall is projected with a height of 5 cm. If the distance from the hole to the tracing paper is 20 cm, what is the distance from the object to the dark room?
3. Discuss in groups: What are the limitations of the dark room and how have these limitations been overcome in modern cameras?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The aim of this stage is to consolidate learning, ensure that students understand the practical application of geometric optics concepts, and reinforce the relevance of the content for the job market. The final discussion and reflection aid in the internalization of the knowledge acquired, promoting a deeper and more lasting understanding.

Discussion

Promote a discussion about the students' experiences during the construction and use of the dark room. Ask about the difficulties they encountered, how they solved the problems, and what learnings they acquired. Encourage them to reflect on how the concepts of geometric optics were applied in practice and to think about other everyday and job market situations where such concepts are relevant.

Summary

Summarize and recap the main content presented, emphasizing the principles of geometric optics, the functioning of the dark room, and the mathematical relationship between distance, size of the object, and size of the image. Highlight how these concepts were utilized in the practical activity and the skills developed by the students.

Closing

Explain how the lesson connected theory, practice, and real applications of the dark room. Emphasize the importance of the subject matter presented for daily life, mentioning its applications in areas such as photography, cinema, optical product design, and engineering. Conclude by highlighting the relevance of the knowledge gained for the job market and encourage students to continue exploring and applying these concepts.