Enhancing Student Motivation through Interdisciplinary Activities: A Study on Do It Yourself Pinhole Cameras and Photographic Development Processes

This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, using pinhole imaging─an established photographic technique─to investigate the application of materials such as tea cans, black coffee, vitamin C, and edible alkali in home-based experiments for constructing pinhole cameras and developing solutions. This method offers students a distinctive opportunity to explore the structure and transformation of compounds such as vitamin C, alcohol, and ketones, while also gaining a deeper understanding of pinhole imaging, silver halide reduction, and associated chemical processes. The study was conducted with students in chemistry education at Anhui Normal University, as well as second-year students from Cuiwen Middle School Affiliated to Anhui Normal University. The results demonstrated positive educational outcomes. This approach not only sparked students’ interest in chemistry, but also enriched their learning experience, fostered interdisciplinary integration, and provided a platform for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, ultimately contributing to the popularization of science.