We are nearing the end of our Study of Light Extravaganza! We've looked at the electromagnetic spectrum, visible light, waves, photography composition, and camera mechanics... So we might as well finish our study by looking at the human eye! Our morning started with a comparison of eyes and cameras. The class created a Double Bubble Thinking Map to illustrate the similarities and differences between cameras and eyes. 

We then went on to a massive undertaking that took a lot of patience, attention to detail, and managing of impulses. The students followed a detailed tutorial to learn how to draw a human eye. They first learned about how to create different shade values in their artwork. They were able to connect this concept to their previous study of the terms opaque, translucent, and transparent. They then started the tutorial. 

I was so impressed with the students' dedication to the process, especially from the students who I have often heard say "I'm not good at drawing!" We are slowly but surely learning that it is good to try new things, and it is okay to not be good at everything. We are also learning that it is okay to use your eraser! Many GATE students see using an eraser as a failure, but we are practicing having a positive and persistent attitude when things are hard.

The students finished the day by updating their digital portfolios with an image of their drawing and a summary of the similarities and differences of cameras and eyes.