Is this illegal?

[atomic7732]

So, I havea media elective in school yeah... and we are making power point museums. We use shapes, and make rooms and then put pictures. But she says we can only go to microsoft online clip art, and http://pics4learning.com/. I can find but few pictures of planets. None of moons. Not even ours. So, I told the teacher wikipedia said that they use free images. She said, "You see, wikipedia, is an anyone can edit. So someone may have put that there". I wanted to say, but didn't, that WHO THE HECK WOULD CARE TO PUT THAT?? ?? Right? But before the wikipedia, I asked her, "Can I go on the NASA wesite and find some pictures? I can't Find much on these sites." And she said NO, THAT'S ILLEGAL. So I'm thinking, "Really? Why would NASA make their pictures illegal to use?". Then once we left, I remembered CC (Creative Commons). They have different licenses. Some you need to credit the person, others you can't use, and some are free or shared. I would tell her, but she'd probably say: NO, SOMONE PROBABLY JUST PUT THAT.

I AM SO FED UP!!!!!!!

What's the truth on this?

[hbmp88]

I don't think its illegal if they put the NASA logo in the corner. But I too get fed up with stupid science teachers.

[atomic7732]

No, my science teacher is awesome. I hated my last year sci teach. She didn't care that I was gifted in that area.

[Dan Dixon]

First of all...

Even if you are right and she is wrong, it will not be useful to get upset or express anger toward her. You must remain calm as you make your points. Even if she makes claims that are wrong, getting upset (at least in front of her) will not help.


Regarding your question:

Generally NASA images are not copyrighted. You can pretty much do anything you want with NASA media (but not the logo).

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/
"NASA still images; audio files; video; and computer files used in the rendition of 3-dimensional models, such as texture maps and polygon data in any format, generally are not copyrighted. You may use NASA imagery, video, audio, and data files used for the rendition of 3-dimensional models for educational or informational purposes, including photo collections, textbooks, public exhibits, computer graphical simulations and Internet Web pages. This general permission extends to personal Web pages."
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html

http://www.nasaimages.org/
"The NASA imagery offered on NASAIMAGES.ORG is generally not copyrighted. You may use this NASA imagery for educational or informational purposes, including photo collections, textbooks, public exhibits and Internet Web pages (personal or otherwise)."
http://www.nasaimages.org/Terms.html

Wikipedia:
I know many in education are distrustful of Wikipedia and given that anyone can edit it this is a reasonable position. At the same time... It's a wonderful source of information (and much of it is referenced). It has been a huge aid to me in researching topics as I've developed Universe Sandbox. Generally Wikipedia does a great job of identifying the copyright status of the images on their site.


In conclusion:
I wouldn't argue the point about Wikipeida, but would focus on pointing her to the terms of use on NASA's website. I did a search for "NASA images" clicked the 2nd link and then click on "Image Usage Guidelines".

Being a teacher is hard. It's much easier to just say get your images from site A and B only then to have to look up or check on the source for each student.

Be nice, don't get angry (in front of her) no matter what and let us know what happens.

[atomic7732]

I haven't (in front). Should I show here what you said? Or should I tell her you said this? Or what should I do?

[Dan Dixon]

Could you pull up the NASA website and show her the photo guideline page that says "you may use NASA imagery... for educational or informational purposes"?

That pretty much says it all.


Don't accuse her of being wrong (even if she is). Don't remind her that she said it was illegal. Generally people don't like being told they're wrong.

Say something like:

"I was doing some research and discovered that NASA images can be used for educational purposes. I'd be happy to show you where it says this on their site." (and make sure you know how to find it)

Then ask her, "Would you please grant me an exception to use images from NASA's website?"


You're also free to use renders from Universe Sandbox:
"Do I need a special license to use screenshots and video generated with Universe Sandbox for commercial purposes?
- Yes. Please contact sales to inquire about a commercial license.
- Posting a video on YouTube or other non-commercial uses is encouraged and doesn't require a license."
http://universesandbox.com/buy/

I should make that more clear and explicit. Added to the website improvement list.

[atomic7732]

Wait... I can use US screenshots?

How do I find the free to use for ed purposes?