Alphabet Scavenger Hunt aka The Alphabet Project:

The goal of the Alphabet Scavenger Hunt is to locate and create images that represent each letter of the alphabet. The project enables students to look deeper into the everyday and reflect on the world around them. Students are confronted with signs and symbols throughout the day. Students must choose how to express and combine graphic elements using the visual language of photography with includes the elements and princples of art.

Students may work in groups, or alone, to produce images. Students may share images created in their groups. Each student is responsible for completing their own collage. Projects will be graded on an individual basis.

• Student with access to a camera or cell phone with a camera, may create original images using their device.
• Students, without access to cameras or mobile phones with cameras, are required to;
  • Search and download large images from the internet, more than 200K per image
  • Use Photoshop (PS) to develop a graphic poster
  • Follow writing rubric guidelines, see downloadable document link below.
    • CreativeRubricforAlphabetScavengerHunt
    • WritingRubricforAlphabetScavengerHunt
    • BenchmarkChecklistforAlphabetScavengerHunt

Found Images: (If you do not have access to a camera or other device to create original images.)

_____            Create a folder on your desktop.  Label it using your first name, last name and period. (For example, Jane Doe Pd1) This folder will be your main folder.  Place all your work for this class inside. Be sure to label each project in a subfolder; Your Name_Period_Alphabet (For example, Jane Doe Pd1 Alphabet)

 _____           Use Google to locate large images that represent the 26 letters of the alphabet.  Place them in a folder on your desktop within your main folder, label your subfolder; Your Name_Period_Alphabet

 _____           Images must be larger than 200K.

 _____           Open a new document in PS > save the file, Save As, label; Your Name_Period_Alphabet > drag and drop your final choices for each letter of the alphabet into the PS document > arrange the images

_____            Take production notes in your journal that reflect the process of making your project, write down any issues and concerns

Original Photography: (If you have access to a camera or other device to create original images.) 

Students, with access to cameras or mobile phones with cameras, are required to; [Students may use some found images (online research) and some original images in combination for their completed projects.]

• Photograph all twenty-six letters of the alphabet
• Use Photoshop to develop a graphic poster
• Follow writing rubric guidelines, see downloadable document link below.

_____           Follow steps above to create a folder to place your images in on your class computer.

 _____           Photograph subject using the RAW format (if possible) with a Gray Card

_____            Students are encouraged to photograph a minimum of three to five images per letter, a higher shooting ratio ensures the probability of getting the shot you want.

_____            Subjects must be in focus or you will be asked to reshoot

_____            Create and label a new folder on your desktop (do this for each new project)

_____            Save original image files as a digital negative (DNG files) in your folder and JPEG files. In PS work on your collage using the JPEG files.

_____            Take production notes that can be reflected on in your summary; camera, lighting, focal length of your lens, time of day, etc.

Written Summary: (Understanding of Media)  

_____            Written summary in Word, include your name, period and the date.

_____            Follow instructions in the rubric above. Highlights; describe your final image using compositional terms. Speak about the multiple photography tools, strategies used to create your image, and a personal reflection.

Output:  

_____           Set the size for final output to 11″X14″ @ 300 DPI (dots per inch), Set Color Mode to RGB

_____            Email a flattened JPEG file, keep PSD file on computer

_____            Save As > student.name.alpha.FINAL.JPEG

_____            Subject email heading; Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

Extra Credit:  Use individual graffiti letters to build a name collage.

Rubric: General ideas to keep in mind.

4 – Excellent work – Met all requirements and handed in work either early or on time – 100 – 90

3 – Good work – Met most requirements and handed in work on time – 89 – 76

2 – Satisfactory – Met few requirements – work handed in late – 75 – 65

1 – Incomplete – Did not meet any set requirements and/or no work was submitted – 64 – 55

Benchmark Checklist for Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Project

Photography, Photoshop (PS) and Social Skills to be mastered.

1. _____ Photo: Uses the appropriate semi-automatic and manual camera settings for a given situation
2. _____ Photo: Ability to research, download and save appropriate images from multiple sources.
3. _____ Photo: Uses a Gray card to set proper exposure
4. _____ Photo: Uses a Handheld meter
5. _____ Photo: Sets up and shuts down a studio set (when applicable)
6. _____ Photo: Sets up and uses Tungsten lighting (when applicable)
7. _____ Photo:  Sets up and uses Strobe lighting (when applicable)
8. _____ PS: Creating and using layer masks
9. _____ PS: Retouching images using the PS retouching tools (when applicable)
10. _____ PS: Cropping, resizing and using rulers and guides
11. _____ PS: Work in Adobe Camera Raw
12. _____ PS: Converting file formats (when applicable)
13. _____ PS: Scanning images and / or preparing for output
14. _____ PS: Printing an image
15. _____ Social: Working in a group and independently in the photo studio
16. _____ Social: Working in a group and  independently on location
17. _____ Social: Critiquing the work of professional, peers and one’s self
18. _____ Social: Speaking respectfully with subjects (and or caring for objects) before, during and after a photo shoot

 Common Core:

Key Ideas and Details

• RST.9-10.3. Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.

• RST.9-10.4. Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 9–10 texts and topics.

• RST.9-10.7. Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.