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