Photographics 10, Photography 20, 30 and Graphic Arts 20, 30

Module 34: History of Printing (Optional)

Suggested time: 3-5 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Foundational Objective

To develop an appreciation of graphic arts and the impact of new technologies on the industry.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To be able to explain how lithography works. (COM, TL)
To explore the evolution of technological innovations within graphic Arts with a focus on the innovation and the steps involved in the industry's development. (TL)

Learning Objectives	Notes
34.1 To discuss the need for written communication. (COM)	Have the students discuss how written communication is used to inform, to entertain, to educate, and to persuade. Students could search the Internet for information on the evolution of written communication and share their findings.
34.2 To describe the stages of development for written communication. (COM)	Pictographs were among the earliest forms of written communication. Many examples of pictographs made by aboriginal people exist in Saskatchewan. Have the students find examples of pictographs and, if possible, create an activity to emulate the early pictographic techniques. In order to make histories portable, images were recorded on stone tablets, clay tablets, or animal hides. The Egyptians were the first to develop a form of paper called papyrus. Students could experiment with a variety of methods to produce paper from new or recycled materials or with paper returned for recycling.
34.3 To understand and use the language of graphic arts and commercial printing.	Students should become familiar with the terminology used in graphic arts and the commercial printing industry (e.g., lithography, pictographs, papyrus). Teachers may wish to initiate the development of a graphic arts glossary to be extended and used throughout the course(s).
34.4 To describe the evolution of moveable type in the mechanical printing process.	Have the students research the development of moveable type. An activity that might provide some insight to the importance of this invention would be to have students create a linoleum block cutting of their name or a logo. This exercise would illustrate printing without the advantages of moveable type. See the Internet for further information on the importance and evolution of type fonts. Photocopiers and laser printers have become integral parts of modern business equipment. These machines use a photo- electrostatic process to record type fonts as print. Digital printing and transfer of data is revolutionizing the graphic arts industry. Have the students research and report on the inventors and on improvements in printing technology. Students might produce a time line indicating the significant events and stages in the development of printing technology.
34.5 To discuss the impact of digital technology on printing and graphic processes.	Investigate a variety of software packages to review the capabilities of digital printing and publishing.