Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
Copyright and Fair Use: Using Media Responsibly
Understand copyright laws and fair use guidelines when using media in projects.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'copyright' and 'creator' in their own words.
Identify if a piece of media (like a picture or song) is made by them or by someone else.
Explain why it is important to give credit to a creator.
Define 'Fair Use' as a special rule for school projects.
List two ways to use media responsibly: asking for permission or using 'Public Domain' media.
Add a 'credit' to a picture or sound in their own digital story.
Have you ever built an amazing LEGO creation or drawn a picture you were super proud of? 🎨 How would you feel if someone took it and said *they* made it?
Today, we're going to learn about the rules for using pictures, songs, and videos that other people create. Learning these rules helps us...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
CreatorThe person who makes, draws, writes, or records something new.If you draw a picture of a superhero, you are the creator of that drawing.
CopyrightA special rule that protects a creator's work. It means the creator is the owner and gets to decide how it's used.A singer has a copyright on their song, so you can't pretend you wrote it.
PermissionAsking the creator if it's okay to use their work.Emailing an artist to ask, 'May I please put your drawing in my school project?'
Credit (or Attribution)Giving the creator's name to show who made the work you are using.At the bottom of a photo in your slideshow, you write: 'Photo by Jane Smith'.
Fair UseA special rule that lets you use a small piece of someone's work for...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The 'Give Credit' Event
WHEN you use media someone else made, THEN you must give them credit.
This is the most important rule. Always say who made the picture, song, or video you are using. It's like saying 'thank you' and telling everyone about the awesome creator.
The 'Ask First' Conditional
IF you want to use a whole piece of media (like a full song), THEN you must ask the creator for permission.
Unless something is in the Public Domain, the creator is the owner. The most respectful thing to do is ask first before using their work in a project that isn't for school.
The 'Fair Use for School' Conditional
IF your project is for school, AND you only use a small part of the media, THEN you can probably use it under Fair...
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Challenging
An event happens: You post a video with a popular copyrighted song on the internet. A computer program automatically takes your video down. This is like a computer science conditional statement. Which one?
A.IF you use copyrighted music, THEN your video may be removed.
B.REPEAT posting the video UNTIL it stays up.
C.WHEN the video starts, play music.
D.DATA is stored about your favorite song.
Challenging
You are creating a 'Top 3 Rules' poster for your class about using media in digital stories. Which rule is the MOST important to include to be fair to other creators?
A.Only use pictures that are very colorful.
B.Make your story at least one minute long.
C.Ask your friend if they like the music you chose.
D.Always check for permission before you use something you didn't make.
Challenging
Imagine a new rule is made: 'Any drawing made by a kid is automatically Public Domain.' How might this rule be UNFAIR to a 9-year-old who is a very good artist and wants to sell her drawings one day?
A.It would be fair, because all kids should share
B.It would be unfair, because she wouldn't be able to own her own work and decide who gets to use it
C.It would be fair, because it would make her famous
D.It would be unfair, because adults would still have copyright
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