accueil site > Paysage et patrimoine > 12. Pedagogic tools > 17. Pedagogic tools > 09996. 33 - Orto in blu – An approach to the garden through the cyanotype (...)
PROJECT
To realize a photographic journey in the historical Botanical Garden of Padua
through a photographic technique going back to the birth of photography : Cyanotype or blue printing.
To motivate in the students with weak results the development of transversal and key competences through this activity at the crossroads of art and sciences
PUBLIC
This methodology was experimented in the Botanical Garden of the University of Padua, Italy, with European teachers taking part in a peer-to-peer training mobility from 14 to 18 May 2019.
It was also the object of an experimentation by other learners, among whom high school students from Trieste and Padua, Italy
KEY COMPETENCES
Communication in the mother tongue
Scientific and mathematical competences
Learning to learn
Humanist culture and expression of sensitivity
ICT competences
OBJECTIVES
To arouse interest in cyanotype, set it within a historical context outlining the ways of taking photos in the early days, describe the technical phases of its realization
To motivate the learners to the study of sciences through a transversal approach implying arts and communication
To organize and arrange an artistic exhibition (development, communication, dissemination through media, etc.)
GARDENS EXPLORED Botanical Garden of Padua, Italy
MATERIALS
Photosensitive supports : watercolour paper previously coated with a photosensitive emulsion specific for cyanotype (mix of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferro-cyanide whose composition is easily available online https://www.la-photo-argentique.com…
Photos taken by the students in the garden
Printing of the photos on transparent negative film
Safe-light lamp allowing for the enlightenment of the darkroom without concealing the photosensitive surfaces
DEVELOPMENT
1.In the classroom : present the project, the cyanotype technique, its place in the history of photography.
Cyanotype is a technique of photographic printing by contact developed by Sir John Herschel in 1842 mixing ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferro-cyanide. Under a light the mixture becomes photosensitive. Placing a negative film between the light and a sheet of paper coated with a photosensitive solution, a photographic image occurs in a range of Prussian blue hues, from the lightest to the darkest. This process has particularly inspired Anna Atkins, an English botanist and photographer
2.In the garden
To choose a personal point of view in the garden for you to photograph
To create digital images to be captured in a natural environment
To communicate in the mother tongue and visually. Present the images to other persons, teachers…
3.In the lab
To explain the technical aspects of the activity, recap the information about the materials and the tools to be employed, the phases of the realization ; to read the technical card and assess its comprehension. To explain the role of the light and of the chemical mix accountable for the production of the blue
To realize the photographic printing by covering the photosensitive paper support with the film, put it under the light
To develop the images, wash and dry them
To print the works realised . To produce a collective work
EXTENSION
The works have been the object of an exhibition to which the students have collaborated
exhibition of the works in the Botanical garden of Padua on the occasion of the 4th training mobility of the teachers participating in the strategic partnership
exhibition space of la Rinascente of Padua and at the Antico Caffé San Marco of Trieste
EVALUATION
It takes into account the ability to :
Master the oral and written mother tongue / social and civic competence
oral communication of your point of view, photographic project, develop a critical eye on personal work
oral confirmation of having learnt the technical aspects of the activity
tell and share your working pathway
Develop scientific and technological skills
perform the instructions of the technical card, show your ability to comprehend all the steps of the activity
understand the chemistry and physics inherent in the realization of the cyanotype
Develop awareness and cultural expression. Learn to appreciate the works of the pioneers of photography such as Anna Atkins, their place in the history of art, in order to motivate and enrich the practice of the photographic experience
Develop social and civic competences. To improve your ability to speak in front of a public, get confidence, follow teachers’ advice and instructions, develop autonomy
AUTHOR, PHOTOS
Annamaria Castellan
Acquamarina Associazione Cutlurale – Trieste – Italy
TRANSLATER
Mary Gino
Association Acquamarina, Trieste, Italie