Process:

1. Read the " " article Yahoo! Recent Digital Music New Stories. Complete the Music Copyright Survey and Worksheet. As a group, your class will chart answers to the survey questions using a spreadsheet program and discuss answers to the worksheet questions.

2. Using the web sites listed below, read about and investigate copyright law in regard to the Internet and, explicitly, the downloading and distribution of music. Pay particular attention to fair use, the consequences of breaking copyright law, and how the illegal downloading and distribution of music affects both musicians and consumers.

Mulitmedia Copyright
Copyright for Students (brochure)
Art Rights and Wrongs (Thinkquest)
Welcome to Copyright for Kids
Copyright with Cyberbee

3. Develop a position statement that includes whether you think what James is doing is illegal and he should stop, or harmless and he can continue. Find a classmate who agrees with your position.

4. Work with your partner to prepare a letter to the editor of your school newspaper regarding this copyright issue. Your letter must include your position statement, facts that either support or refute your position, facts that either support or refute the principal's proposed actions, and a paragraph that supports your position based on personal experience. Read some tips on: Writing a Letter to the Editor. Look at this sample layout.