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April 10
The Statute of Anne, an influential copyright law, went into effect in 1710.
Grades | 6 – 12 |
Calendar Activity Type | Historical Figure & Event |
Often considered to be the first true copyright law, the Statute of Anne drastically changed how copyright worked in Great Britain by naming the author, rather than the publisher, as the holder of the copyright. Later, this law had great influence on emerging U.S. copyright laws. In fact, the first U.S. copyright law began with "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning" —words taken directly from the Statute of Anne.
Create a students' copyright guide as a handy reference for classroom work or the library.
- First, form small groups to conduct web research on copyright issues. Assign groups topics, such as the types of copyright protected works, fair use, court cases, public domain works, and so on. Students can use the interactive Notetaker to help them organize their research findings.
- After students have finished their research, have each group compile their information into a page for the class booklet, by visiting the Printing Press tool and selecting the "flyer" option.
- Collect each group's work and create a booklet. Be sure to create a table of contents and index for the guide, as well as a cover page. Keep a copy of the guide in the library and near photocopying machines.
- You might also want to reproduce the guide and distribute a copy to each student.
- The Copyright Society of the U.S.A.
This site offers teachers information on copyright issues, including a list of links to online copyright references.
- Copyright Kids
This website provides resources for children, as well as parents and teachers. Included are copyright basics, a quiz, and more.
- Education World: The Educator's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use
This series on copyright law and the fair use exceptions is aimed at teachers and covers things such as applying the law to new technologies and district liability.
- Copyright on the Web
This student interactive, from CyberBee, answers many questions students may have about intellectual property rights and fair use.
Grades 6 – 8 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Exploring Plagiarism, Copyright, and Paraphrasing
Students investigate issues of plagiarism, fair use, and paraphrasing using KWL charts, discussion, and practice.
Grades 6 – 8 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Students as Creators: Exploring Copyright
This lesson gives students the tools they need to consider the ethical issues surrounding use and ownership of copyrighted materials.
Grades 6 – 8 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Copyright Law: From Digital Reprints to Downloads
Students investigate how and why copyright law has changed over time, and apply this information to recent copyright issues, creating persuasive arguments based on the perspective of a particular group.
Grades 9 – 12 | Lesson Plan | Unit
Copyright Infringement or Not? The Debate over Downloading Music
This lesson takes advantage of students' interest in music and audio sharing. Students investigate multiple perspectives in the music downloading debate and develop a persuasive argument for a classroom debate.
Grades 6 – 8 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Technology and Copyright Law: A "Futurespective"
Students research and report on instances of how copyright laws have adapted to encompass new technologies. They write articles predicting copyright issues that may arise with new and future technologies.
Grades 6 – 8 | Lesson Plan | Unit
Campaigning for Fair Use: Public Service Announcements on Copyright Awareness
Students explore a range of resources on fair use and copyright then design their own audio public service announcements (PSAs), to be broadcast over the school's public address system.