LESSON C: Using Copyrighted Works in Our Own Creations — Fair Use, Creative Commons, Permissions, and Public Domain

As creators, we often want to use others’ creative work in our own work. For example, we may want to make a collage or mashup, or find an illustration or soundtrack for our latest project. In this lesson, students learn about:

  • Fair use, which allows them to reuse copyright protected work in certain situations without permission.
  • How to find creative works that are free to use with few or no restrictions—Creative Commons and the public domain.
Silhouette of side-view of a female that is created using various imagery elements

Ways to access this lesson

LESSON PDF
HS Lesson C- Using Copyrighted Works in Our Own Creations v11.1, Thumbnail
LESSON SLIDES
GOOGLE DRIVE

Video clips for in-class lessons*

Video Link Video Id Description Runtime
(w/o credits)**
View Video Video HS-7 “Phineas and Ferb Gangnam Style” Parody 3:41
View Video Video HS-6 “Creativity, Copyright, and Fair Use for Ethical Digital Citizens” 4:24
View Video Video HS-8 (Review) “Help! I Need Something: Finding Creative Work with (Almost) No Restrictions” 6:36
View Video Video HS-9 (optional) “Wanna Work Together” 3:00

*  These videos are intended for use in in-class lessons. If you intend to have students use the videos independently, please note that some districts restrict student access to external links.  To allow access, students may need to use the alternative links found here.

** Video runtimes do not include the credits.

Supplemental Materials

PRESENTER INSTRUCTIONS
High School Presenter Instructions
INDEPENDENT LEARNING VIDEOS

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