ú2001, LKVTSSP
Copyright Lesson Plan by Laura Kaemming
Topic: Copyright Laws
Grade Level: Eighth Grade
Objectives: 1. Students will be introduced to and develop a basic understanding of
copyright laws. 2. Students will identify examples of copyright infringement.
Materials: Music Alive magazine (December 2000 issue); musical excerpts from: “Ice,
Ice Baby” as performed by Vanilla Ice, “Under Pressure” as performed by Queen, “My
Sweet Lord” as performed by George Harrison, “He’s So Fine” as performed by The
Chiffons, “I Want a New Drug” as performed by Huey Lewis and the News,
“Ghostbusters” as performed by Pay Parker, Jr.; Checklist for Fair Use from
http://www.iupui.edu/%7Ecopyinfo/fuchecklist.html, overheads, “Copyright” and “You
Be the Judge” worksheets, written test.
Procedure:
Day One
· Students should answer pre-reading questions on “Copyright” worksheet -
then discuss answers with classmates
· Students will read aloud the article entitled, “Music as Intellectual Property –
What’s at Stake?” from the December 2000 issue of Music Alive magazine.
(Students should answer remaining questions on “Copyright” worksheet.)
Day Two
· Students should share and discuss answers from “Copyright” worksheet
· Discuss copyright rules/regulations and fair use with students
(Students should take notes based on presentation and overhead
transparencies.)
Day Three
· Review copyright rules and regulations
· As a group - listen to/compare/discuss excerpts from the songs “Ice, Ice
Baby” and “Under Pressure”
· Read/answer “You Be the Judge” worksheet while listening to musical
excerpts (replay examples as needed)
continued on page two 3
ú2001, LKVTSSP
Day Four
· Review fair use policy
· Discuss answers for “You Be the Judge” worksheet
· Oral Discussion: “Do you know of any other copyright cases in the field of
music? What about in the movie industry? Elsewhere?”
Evaluation: Students will achieve both objectives through discussions and written
as