Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
Copyright and Fair Use: Using Other People's Work
Introduction to copyright and fair use principles.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a 'creator' is and what 'copyright' means in simple terms.
Explain why it is important to ask for permission before using someone else's work.
Identify at least two places to find pictures or music that are okay to use for school projects.
Explain the concept of 'giving credit' to the original creator.
Use an 'if-then' statement to decide if they can use a picture they found online.
Differentiate between their own original work and work created by someone else.
Have you ever found the PERFECT picture or song online for your school project? 🖼️🎶 What are the rules for using it?
Today, we're going to learn about being a good digital citizen by understanding the rules for using things other peopl...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
CreatorA person who makes something new, like a drawing, a photo, a story, or a song.If you draw a picture of a robot, you are the creator of that picture.
CopyrightA special rule that protects a creator's work. It means only the creator gets to decide who can copy, share, or use their work.A musician has a copyright on their new song, so you can't use it in your video game without their permission.
PermissionWhen the creator says it is okay for you to use their work.You email an artist to ask, 'Can I please use your drawing in my school project?' and they write back, 'Yes, you can!'
Give Credit (Attribution)Telling everyone who the creator of the work is. It's like putting a label on it that says, 'This was made by...'At...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The Permission Check Conditional
IF you want to use work that is not yours, THEN you must check if you have permission.
Use this rule every time you find a picture, song, or story online that you did not create yourself. It's the first step to being a responsible digital citizen.
The Give Credit Rule
IF you get permission to use someone's work, THEN you must give them credit.
After you've confirmed you can use something, always remember to say who made it. This shows respect for the creator and their hard work.
The Fair Use for School Check
IF you are using a small piece of work for a school project, THEN it might be Fair Use.
This is a helpful rule for school, but it's always safest to use work you have permission for or that is in the public dom...
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Challenging
A professional photographer sells her photos on her website. You find one of her photos on someone's blog for free. What is the most responsible and ethical choice?
A.Take the photo from the blog because it's free and easy.
B.Go to the photographer's website to buy it or ask for permission, respecting her as the creator.
C.Message the blogger and ask them to send you more free photos.
D.Decide not to do your project because it's too confusing.
Challenging
An artist creates a new superhero character and gets a copyright for it. What does this copyright give the artist the power to control?
A.Only the first comic book the hero is in.
B.Only the colors used on the hero's costume.
C.Only what other people say about the hero.
D.Who can make movies, toys, and new stories about the hero.
Challenging
Your school has a rule: 'IF a student copies from the internet without giving credit, THEN they get a zero.' How does this school rule connect to the real-world idea of copyright?
A.It teaches that there are consequences for using work without permission or credit, just like in copyright law.
B.It means the internet is not allowed to be used for schoolwork.
C.It shows that teachers own the copyright to student work.
D.It has no connection to copyright; it is only about cheating.
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