Photoshop Curriculum
Ready to take the guesswork out of teaching Photoshop?
This complete Photoshop Curriculum is designed specifically for Career & Technical Education (CTE), photography, graphic design, and media arts classrooms. Built with backwards planning and aligned with National Media Arts Standards, this curriculum walks students from beginner tools to advanced compositing and design techniques using a scaffolded, standards-based approach.
Students will learn the foundations of Photoshop through creative, real-world projects that reinforce essential digital imaging skills. From understanding the interface and non-destructive workflows to developing portfolio-ready composites and visual storytelling projects, this curriculum builds the technical and creative confidence students need to succeed in today’s visual media field AND be certification ready!
Scroll Down Or Click on the Unit Images to learn more about the individual units of the Full Photoshop Curriculum.
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Photoshop
Unit 2: Retouching & Adjustment Layers
Unit 3: Principles of Design in Photoshop
Unit 4: Creative Composites & Portfolio
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Photoshop
Key Questions:
- What does “non-destructive editing” mean, and why does it matter?
- When might you use a destructive workflow intentionally?
- What surprised you about how Photoshop works?
- Reflect on a project: What went well? What would you do differently?
Aligned National Media Art Standards:
Lessons, Activities & Projects
- 1.1 Interface Identification
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.ic: Tools & Techniques
- 1.2 Tool Flashcards & Mnemonic Devices
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- 1.3 Destructive vs Non-Destructive
- Duration: Bellringers
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- 1.4 Color Harmonies
- Duration: 1 class
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.5 Motivational Coloring Pages
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.6 History Panel
- Duration: 1 class
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- 1.7 Organizing Layers
- Duration: 1 class
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.ia: File Management
- 1.8 File Types
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.9 Autumn Coloring Pages
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.10 Hamburger Layers
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.11 Calaveras Coloring Pages
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.12 All About Me Collage
- Duration: 3-4 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.13 Double Exposures
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.14 Levitation or Magic Trick
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 1.15 Multiple Me
Unit 2: Retouching & Adjustment Layers
Key Questions:
- What tools do I feel most confident with? Least confident?
- When does retouching help tell a story vs. change the truth?
- What are some industries that rely on photo editing?
- How does color impact the mood of an image?
- How can you tell if a photo has been retouched?
Aligned National Media Art Standards:
Lessons, Activities & Projects
- 2.1 Two Handed Shortcuts Drill
- Duration: Bellringers
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.ic: Tools & Techniques
- 2.2 The Crop
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- 2.3 Actions Overview
- Duration: 1 class
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- 2.4 Juxtaposition Diptychs
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.5 Content Aware Fill
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice Activity Formative Assessment Summative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.6 Color Modes and Hex Codes
- Duration: 1 class
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- 2.7 Winter Coloring Pages
- 2.8 Spot The Difference Challenge
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.9 Ethics in Editing
- Duration: Bellringers
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.10 Sharpening and Blurs
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.11 Retouching Tools and Color Corrections Posters
- Duration: 1 classes
- Scoring: Reference Poster
- Standards:
- 2.12 Selective Color
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.13 Vintage Color
- Duration: 3-4 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.14 Cyanotype Negatives
- Duration: 3-4 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.15 Recolor the Past
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.16 Skin Retouching Techniques
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- 2.17 Headshot Retouching
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Summative Assessment
- Standards:
Unit 3: Design Principles
Key Questions:
- How does alignment affect readability and visual balance?
- What are common mistakes students make with type?
- Why is it important to match typefaces to the audience and purpose?
- When should you use RGB vs. CMYK?
- How can design influence a viewer’s emotional response?
Aligned National Media Art Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
Lessons, Activities & Projects
- 3.1 Opening Presets Exploration
- Duration: 1 class
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- 3.2 Type Tool Experimentation
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- 3.3 Typography Personalities: Matching Fonts to Portraits
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.4 Typography Personalities: Matching Fonts to Products
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.5 Letter Art Portraits
- Duration: 2-4 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- 3.6 Anatomy of Typography
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- 3.7 Typography Poster Design
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- 3.8 Watermark Design
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.9 Grid Designs
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- 3.10 Senior Grad Card Design
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- 3.11 Event Poster Design
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.12 Recipe Card Design
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.13 Magazine, Album or Book Cover Design
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.14 PSA Poster
- Duration: 4-6 classes
- Scoring: Summative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
- 3.15 Travel Postcard
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Summative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr1.1.i Sketching / Planning / Brainstorming
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.ia Composition / Visual Hierarchy
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr4.1.i Iteration Design
- Media Arts MA:Re7.1.ib Target Market / Audience
- Media Arts MA:Re8.1.i Messaging
Unit 4: Creative Effects & Advanced Techniques + Creative Portfolio
Key Questions:
- What tools or effects felt most intuitive to you? Which were challenging?
- How can we use effects to enhance storytelling, not just add decoration?
- What techniques helped you express your creative voice?
- Which project are you most proud of in your portfolio? Why?
- How would you explain your process to someone who doesn’t know Photoshop?
Aligned National Media Art Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
Lessons, Activities & Projects
- 4.1 Culling Exercises
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice Activity
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.2 Portfolio Planning Worksheet
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.3 Special Effects Challenge
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.4 How To Critique Handbook
- Duration: On Going
- Scoring: Practice
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- 4.5 Custom Brushes
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.6 Digital Scratch Art
- Duration: 2-3 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- 4.7 Minimize Me
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- 4.8 Liquify & Caricature Fun Edit
- Duration: 3-4 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.9 Printing
- Duration: 3-4 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.10 Pixel Stretch
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.11 Surreal / Time Travel Composite
- Duration: 3-5 classes
- Scoring: Summative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.12 Portfolio Magazine
- Duration: On Going
- Scoring: Summative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Cr3.1.i.b Refine Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA Pr:6.1.i.a Culling / Presenting Work
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- 4.13 Photoshop Cert Prep
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Pr6.1.i.b Portfolio
- Bonus 1: Valentine’s Day Dino Coloring Pages
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice / Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
- Bonus 2: Easter / Spring Coloring Pages
- Duration: 1-2 classes
- Scoring: Practice / Formative Assessment
- Standards:
- Media Arts MA:Pr5.1.i.c Tools and Techniques
- Media Arts MA:Re9.1.i Critique / Reflection
- Media Arts MA:Cn10.1.i.a Personal Style
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