Whose Game is it?

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Career Cluster Arts, A/V Technology and Communication

  Course Number & Title: 8207310 Digital Information Technology

  CIP Number: 0510030300

  Course Type: Career Preparatory

  Program Name: Digital Design

• Unit Outline

  
  

  Lesson Description: This lesson is intended to utilize the case study, “Speedy Racer 24” (CPALMS Resource #215701) to enable conversation on intellectual property rights and copyright. Students will evaluate the case study and review the two games details, then discuss in small groups and arrive at a conclusion whether violations occurred.

• Career Connection

  
  

  The lesson will help students to become presenters, and contribute in teamwork, team building, comprehension, and thinking logically through a problem.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will:

  • Discuss copyright and intellectual property laws.
  • Research court rulings that involve copyright.
  • Explain how copyright and intellectual property might apply to them now and in their future careers.
  • Present findings related to the case study scenario.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should have some general knowledge of:

  • copyright and intellectual property law.
  • problems that arise regarding copyright infringement and plagiarism.

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • What issues can arise when dealing with copyright infringement?
  • What purpose is served by intellectual property and copyright laws or policies?

• Procedure

  
  
  1. To begin, discuss the guiding questions regarding copyright and intellectual property.
     • How might these issues impact students at school?
  2. Distribute copies of the case study, “Speedy Racer 24” (CPALMS resource #215701).
     • Discuss the title of the case study with the class and pre-teach any vocabulary words students may struggle with.
     • Provide time for students to read and annotate the case study. Students should annotate for elements that discuss copyright infringement and plagiarism. In the margin they can write a one to two word explanation for how the element they marked is connected to copyright or plagiarism.
  3. Distribute copies of the two game rules handouts, “Speedy Racer 24 Game Rules” and “Race Track 25 Game Rules.” (attached)
     • Break class into shoulder partners or small groups to review the game rules and write down a preliminary determination of who they believe has the rights to the profits of the Race Track 25 game.
  4. Remind partners that they will be sharing their determination with other classmates so they should have clear evidence from their prior knowledge of copyright law or the case study to support their determination.
     • Each team should have an idea of whom it would be, Best Games, Inc. or John Palmer himself.
     • If needed review the concepts of copyright and fair use.
  5. Have each group present their determination orally to the class, including their supporting evidence and justification for their decision. Arguments should be logical, coherent, and well-supported.
  6. As a class, discuss the term intellectual property. What is it, and will it apply to this situation? Based on this discussion, who would be the rightful owner?
     • Determine if students have changed their minds based on all of the class discussion.

• Teacher Notes

  
  

  If necessary, teachers can research or have students research specific cases involving copyright.

  Questions to consider:

  1. Who should have the ownership of the video game?

  2. Why would the company believe they should have ownership?

  3. Why does John Palmer believe he is the rightful owner?

  4. What factors should determine the ownership?

  5. How does this concept apply to musicians who write their own songs, or songs for others?