Pirates of the Cyber-rian

Pirates of the Cyber-rian

The fascination with pirates endures from childhood through our adult years, and we're continually regalled with tales like "Treasure Island" and the more recent, vastly popular, "Pirates of the Carribean". What we don't often acknowledge is that pirates are still a part of our lives today. These new-age pirates ride the Digital Seas, surfing the Information Superhighway for their own unique booty - intellectual property.

As consumers of the digital age, our students are faced with new terms of ownership that weren't defined in the past - and aren't clearly defined at the present time. The sooner we seize the opportunity to introduce concepts of intellectual property, the more fully the generations will be equipped to deal with its infringement.

What's in this Lesson:
· Teacher Guide
· Student Activity, Step-by-Step:
Step A: Find the Fakes
Step B: Reality Check
Step C: Fighting the Good Fight
Step D: Setting the Stage for the Real Deal
Teacher Guide

Teacher's Guide:

Today's marketplace is a global one, with Information reigning King. The concept of intellectual property is one which is lost on consumers of all ages, a fact that "Pirates" seize on. Pirates, or thieves of intellectual property, prosper in the array of counterfeit merchandise, from software to toys to clothing. It's just as important for adults as kids to understand how to safeguard themselves from fakes, and this project provides a fun, non-intimidating approach to thwarting the Cyber Pirates of technology's culture.

Objectives:

To understand the concept of intellectual property and identify ways to overcome piracy and counterfeiting.

Prerequisite Skills:

Basic computer and research skills using the library and Internet resources.

Time Allotted:

4 class periods and ongoing

How to Begin

1. Pose the question: Should someone be able to "own" an idea? Call for a show of hands, yes or no. Then pose the question this way: What if the idea was an invention? A song? A design? What rights should the person have who came up with the idea? What protections should there be for the original idea?
2. Introduce the concept of intellectual property in an age-appropriate way:
· Assign older students to use the dictionary, library resources, and

The copyright of the article Pirates of the Cyber-rian in Teaching & Technology is owned by Phebe A. Durand. Permission to republish Pirates of the Cyber-rian in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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