In this lesson, the learner will understand the concept that light travels in straight lines and is responsible for the formation of shadows and images. They will be able to explain the principle and working of a pinhole camera and will be able to recognize applications of the pinhole camera in real life.
Students will be able to:
Reference: NCERT Class 7 Science
The lesson is aligned with the NCERT Grade 7 Science Book-Chapter 11: Shadows and Reflection, Section:7-Pinhole Camera
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
Students should already know:
In this lesson, students learn how a pinhole camera works on the principle that light travels in straight lines. They will explore how an inverted real image is formed, build a simple model, and relate it to the working of modern cameras and the human eye.
| Title | Approximate Duration | Procedure | Reference Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engage | 5 | The teacher shows a real-life example: “Have you noticed sunlight entering through a small hole in a dark room? What happens on the opposite wall?” Display simple images captured using a pinhole camera. Ask: “Why is the image inverted?” | Slides |
| Explore | 10 | Virtual Lab / Simulation can also be used to demonstrate image formation. | Virtual lab |
| Explain | 10 | Teacher explains the working principle:
Use diagrams from the NCERT textbook. Highlight characteristics:
| Slides + Virtual Lab |
| Evaluate | 10 | Students will attempt the Self Evaluation task on the LMS. | Virtual Lab |
| Extend | 5 | Students discuss modern applications of the pinhole principle:
Write a short note on “How pinhole cameras are similar to the human eye.” | Slides |
A pinhole camera is one of the simplest cameras in the world. It does not have a lens or film, only a small hole on one side and a screen on the other. When light from an object passes through the tiny hole, it forms an upside-down (inverted) image on the screen inside.
It works because light always travels in straight lines. By using a pinhole camera, we can clearly see how images are formed naturally. Even though it looks simple, the same principle is used in modern cameras and even in our eyes!
A pinhole camera is a simple device that shows how light travels in straight lines and forms images. It consists of a light-proof box with a small hole on one side and a screen (such as butter paper) on the opposite side.
When light from an object passes through the small hole, it crosses and falls on the screen, forming an inverted (upside-down) image. The image is real (can be seen on the screen) and its size depends on the distance of the object from the camera.
The pinhole camera works on the principle of the rectilinear propagation of light (light travels in straight lines).
Applications
This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson.
Welcome to the Virtual Lab: Pinhole Camera! In this activity, you will explore how a simple device made with a tiny hole can form an image of an object. The scientific concept behind this lab is that light always travels in straight lines. When light rays from an object pass through a small hole, they cross and create an inverted image on the opposite side. By experimenting with different objects and distances, you will see how the image changes in size and clarity, helping you understand the basic principle of how cameras work.
Interactive pinhole camera model (box, pinhole, screen).
Slider to move the object closer/farther and see image changes.
Guided instructions with prediction prompts.
MCQs are integrated at the end of each module for engagement.
Step 1: Instructions and Introduction
Step 2: Explanation
Step 3: Interactive Slider
Step 4: Evaluation