In this paper are presented the views of Al Haytham and his predecessors on the shadows, the rectilinear propagation of rays and the images produced by pinholes. Al Haytham had given erroneous views on the distribution of light in the shadows. Educational applications of these are presented. These applications concern: (a) Simple experiments (b) Software. These applications give an opportunity for a first presentation of some notions of photometry even to the primary level of education. Another important use of the history of science is the explanation by Al Haytham of the "camera obscura". This application is done both ways: through an experimental setup and through the use of special software.