Lesson Plan: Copyright Infringement Target Grade Level: 8th Grade Projected Time: 60-90 minutes Materials: Definition

ition cards Pre-test worksheet Investigation question worksheet Assessment Quiz Answer Key

Learning Goals: Students Students Students Students will will will will be able to explain copyright infringement be able to explain Fair Use identify three types of work protected by copyright laws understand how long copyright protection lasts

1. To begin this lesson the students will complete the pre-test worksheet where they will read a scenario and indicate whether or not they think it is stealing. 2. After completing the pre-test the students will partner up and discuss what they know about copyright laws. We will then come together and share our ideas and understanding as a group. I will then post the definition of copyright as provided on page 3 of this lesson plan. 3. We will then discuss why it is important to care about copyright. (Each person would want work that he/she was proud of to be protected from being stolen and used as somebody elses work) and why it is considered stealing (a profit could be made/the idea belongs to someone else). 4. The students will then get into focus groups. These groups will consist of 4-5 students who will all investigate one question using the resource of their choice. Once the investigation is complete a representative from each group will form a subgroup and teach the members what they have learned about their question. For example, all members of group 1 will investigate one question. They will then split up and join a member from groups 2, 3, 4, & 5 where they will share their new knowledge. While in these groups the student will fill out the question sheet as provided on page five ending the activity with the answer to all five questions. 5. While the groups are investigating I will circulate to be sure that the information that they are gathering is correct. 6. The investigation questions are listed below: Page 1 of 7

a. What types of work are protected by copyright? b. When do I need permission to use someone elses work? c. How long does copyright protection last? d. What is copyright infringement? e. In general, what does Fair Use mean? 7. Following these sessions we will wrap up the lesson by reviewing the key ideas and completing the attached post test. Extension activity ideas: Conduct a mock trial where a student is on trial for copyright infringement Have the students do an investigation into the timeline of copyright laws Make presentations to teach a younger grade about copyright infringement

Resources: How long does copyright protection last. United States Copyright Office. March 2010. Retrieved from http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faqduration.html. October 2013. The Copyright Society of the U.S.A. Retrieved from: http://www.copyrightkids.org/whatcopyframes.htm. October 2013.

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DEFINITION CARDS

Copyright
Copyright is a form of protection for authors and creators of original, creative works. It allows the author the ability to limit the use and reproduction of his/her work with some limitations.

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Pre-Assessment Name _______________________________Date ______________

Please read the scenarios below and mark whether you think it is stealing or not. 1. MacKenzie loves the new Miley Cyrus CD and really wants to have it on her Ipod. She uses an online search engine to search for free music and finds the whole CD on the first link! She downloads it to her computer and transfers it to her Ipod. STEALING NOT SURE NOT STEALING

2. Bryan loves the movie The Wizard of Oz and would really like to have a copy. He knows his Uncle George has the movie on DVD and has a friend who knows how to make copies of DVDs. He asks his friend to make him a copy of his Uncles DVD. STEALING NOT SURE NOT STEALING

3. Henry loves the TV show The Big Bang Theory and is going to miss the new episode due to his soccer game. He asks his mom to DVR the episode so that he can watch it later. STEALING NOT SURE NOT STEALING

4. Lisa has a big project due for her social studies class. She would like to include some pictures of the battle that she is presenting on. She uses an online search engine and picks out the pictures that look best with her presentation. STEALING NOT SURE NOT STEALING

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Focus Group Questions

Name ___________________________ Date __________________

1. What types of work are protected by copyright?

2. When do I need permission to use someone elses work?

3. How long does copyright protection last?

4. What is copyright infringement?

5. In general, what does Fair Use mean?

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Assessment Name_____________________________ Date_____________ 1. Describe in your own words what copyright infringement is.

2. True or False: It is okay to make a copy of a CD to give to a friend as long as you have one purchased version.

3. List three types of work that are protected by copyright laws. 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________

4. In general, what is Fair Use?

5. How long does copyright protection last on a piece of work?

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Answer Key
Name_____________________________ Date_____________

1. Describe in your own words what copyright infringement is. Copyright infringement is taking/reproducing/copying somebody elses work and using it as your own. It many times prohibits them from making a profit.

2. True or False: It is okay to make a copy of a CD to give to a friend as long as you have one purchased version. False, making a copy infringes on the right of the person who made the music to make money off of selling the CD.

3. List three types of work that are protected by copyright laws. Any of the following are acceptable answers. Literary works, musical works, dramatic works, choreographed works, motion pictures, CDs, sound recording, pictures etc. 4. In general, what is Fair Use? The right of people to use particular elements of a persons work for their own use within the stipulations of the Fair Use law.

5. How long does copyright protection last on a piece of work? Copyright protection last as long as the authors life plus an additional 70 years.

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