Plagiarism

7th grade collaboration with ELA teacher

The "Big Idea"

What is plagiarism, and why is it important?
Focus Question:
Can I detect plagiarism from examples?
Common Core Learning Standards - ELA:
W.7.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms
effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data
and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
W.7.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and
research.
AASL standards:
1.3.1 Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers.
1.3.3 Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information.
3.1.6 Use information and technology ethically and responsibly.
Learning objectives:
Students will:
define intellectual property and plagiarism, and identify examples of plagiarism.
demonstrate the ability to distinguish between paraphrased and plagiarized material.
Procedure:
Anticipatory set - without explaining the purpose of the day's lesson, have students watch video
clip from The Big Bang Theory. Afterward, engage students' critical thinking by asking them to
summarize the scene and identify the conflict between the characters (Sheldon has taken credit in
a magazine article for an idea that was Leonard's) Students will be asked if the character Leonard
is justified in feeling hurt and if ideas are something that can be stolen. Students will be asked if
the character Sheldon has behaved ethically, and will be asked to consider the consequences of
his actions. Students will be called upon by raised hands to offer their thoughts. This idea will be
expanded in the second clip.
The second clip highlights the lawsuit between recording artist Robin Thicke and the estate of
Marvin Gaye involving the accusation that a song recorded by Thicke was copied from one by
Gaye. In this clip, Hayes sits with a subject matter expert and a university student band who
plays both songs to demonstrate their similarity. Students will be asked if they believe the

Thicke song was stolen from Gaye, and if they know how the case was settled. Thicke paid
Gaye's estate around $7 million.
Materials: Computer lab or a computer for every student, whiteboard and marker, video files
(BigBangTheory.mov, ChrisHayes.mov), instructor computer to operate Nearpod presentation,
television screen with connection to laptop.
Preparation:
Have prompts on the whiteboard in the computer lab to instruct students to go to the website
nearpod.com. Have nearpod presentation live and ready, and the login code on the whiteboard.
Procedure:
Step 1:
Students log onto Nearpod and join the session. The first slide is the definition of plagiarism.
Discuss the similarities and differences between the situations on the video and what they might
encounter in a classroom or writing project.
Assess prior knowledge using a pre-quiz. When all students have sent their answers, display the
class results using Nearpod (results will not show names of individuals). Engage them in
conversation about stealing words and ideas for school work: why would someone do it, do
people get caught, what are the consequences?
Step 2:
Display, using Nearpod slides, some news headlines of students who have faced consequences
for plagiarism. Explain that the purpose of the lesson is to help them understand plagiarism and
why avoiding it is important.
Step 3:
In a series of Nearpod slides, show examples of plagiarism and properly cited uses of texts.
Each sample is demonstrative of one of the questions in the quiz. Engage students in discussion
about what they see on the slides, and whether or not they think it's acceptable use. Explain the
correct answer
Step 4:
Students will retake the quiz. Results will be shown to the class. Dramatic improvement should
be seen. Go over questions and correct answers.
Closure:
Students will be informed that they will learn more about creating citations in a separate lesson.
Assessment:
The second quiz is the assessment.