This project is included in the Information Literacy & Digital Citizenship Unit Plan- Information Technology

Empower your students to become responsible digital citizens with this engaging, real-world copyright case study project. In this 3-day activity, students act as “digital detectives” to investigate a real-life incident involving copyright violation, plagiarism, or misuse of Creative Commons content.

Through research, analysis, reflection, and presentation, students learn how to ethically and legally utilize digital content while also developing communication, technical, and critical thinking skills. Whether it’s a YouTuber using unlicensed music or a brand copying an artist’s design, this project brings timely issues into the classroom in a student-friendly way.

What’s Included:

• Editable 6-Part Project Slide Deck

• Complete Teacher Instructions with 3-Day Pacing

• Step-by-Step Student Prompts

• Visual Presentation Guidelines

• Real-World Case Ideas for Research

• Printable/Editable Grading Rubric

Project Breakdown:

• Part 1: Choose and outline a real-world copyright or plagiarism case

• Part 2: Analyze what went wrong and why it matters

• Part 3: Reflect on lessons learned and digital responsibility

• Part 4: Build a slide presentation to share findings

• Part 5: Follow design best practices for clear communication

• Part 6: Present to classmates and engage in Q&A

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and explain copyright, plagiarism, and Creative Commons rules

• Evaluate ethical and legal implications of digital content use

• Communicate case findings clearly through digital presentation

• Reflect on personal digital habits and commit to ethical content use

• Build awareness of how creators, students, and businesses are affected by misuse

Assessment:

Use the included rubric to evaluate:

• Research quality and factual accuracy

• Depth of analysis and reflection

• Visual design and creativity

• Presentation skills and peer engagement

• Understanding of ethical digital behavior

Perfect For:

• Digital Citizenship Units

• Media & Technology Literacy

• Business, STEM, or ELA Classes

• Ethics & Digital Law Explorations

• Group or Individual Work

Why Teachers Love It:

• Real-World Relevance: Tackles issues students see online every day

• Flexible & Engaging: Works in-person or digitally with real-world case options

• No Prep Required: Includes everything you need—print or assign

• High-Level Thinking: Combines research, ethics, and presentation skills

Empower your students to be competent, ethical, and confident creators and users of digital content. This case study project doesn’t just check the box—it builds meaningful, lasting awareness.