by Kathleen Hodges, Maplewood K-8
Time and time again teachers ask you to research a topic and then present your findings in writing, a speech, or a PowerPoint presentation. Moreover, we remind you to "use your OWN words" and not plagiarize. But what does it mean to plagiarize? What's the matter with using someone else's words if they did a really good job of saying what you want to say? Why can't you just copy and paste sounds and images from the internet? Isn't that just working smart? This WebQuest is designed to introduce middle school students to the ins-and-outs of plagiarism and copyright protection.
Teacher Introduction
This webquest was designed to be used during the first month of middle school language arts. These students are new to the world of secondary education and have not yet learned to systematically cite sources. Students complete a worksheet which they will keep in their binders and have access to throughout the school year.
All-too-often students fall into the trap of copying-and-pasting information from written or electronic sites, but failing to cite their sources. Despite repeated warnings not to plagiarize, they still do it. Sometimes they really are trying to get away with passing off someone else's ideas as their own. However, more often it's a case of just not knowing what is acceptable use, as well as not knowing how to cite sources.
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