A physics teacher distributes hard copies of a photograph from an online source. What must the teacher ensure for the action to be considered acceptable under fair use provisions?

For the action of distributing hard copies of a photograph from an online source to be considered acceptable under fair use provisions, the teacher must ensure the material is available for permanent school use. This means that the usage aligns with the intention of supporting educational objectives within a specific context rather than distributing it publicly or altering it in a way that would change its original context or message. Ensuring that the material is for permanent school use suggests that the teacher acknowledges the copyright restrictions and aims to use the photograph in a manner that is thoughtful and educational.

While the other options could be relevant in broader discussions about copyright and educational use, they do not encapsulate the specific criteria established by fair use provisions as effectively as ensuring the material is available for permanent school use. Using the material solely for educational purposes does not guarantee fair use on its own. Sharing it freely with the public could infringe on copyright protections, and altering the material could create a derivative work violation. Therefore, the focus on permanent school use highlights an understanding of fairness in the educational environment while respecting copyright laws.