Cybersecurity Basics for Teens

June Wicker

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Cybersecurity Basics for Teens

Understand cybersecurity basics

This lesson introduces middle school students to the basics of cybersecurity, focusing on creating strong passwords and recognizing online threats. Through interactive activities, students will learn essential skills to protect themselves online. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely, fostering responsible online behavior.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Understand cybersecurity basics

Materials

Worksheet: Password Creation, Quiz: Cybersecurity Basics, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction to Cybersecurity

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what cybersecurity is and why it's important.
Ask students if they have ever heard of cybersecurity and what they think it involves.

Step 2

Creating Strong Passwords

10 mins

Introduce the concept of strong passwords and why they are crucial for online security.
Discuss the characteristics of a strong password (e.g., length, complexity, avoiding common words).
Distribute the 'Password Creation' worksheet and guide students through creating their own strong passwords.

Step 3

Recognizing Online Threats

10 mins

Discuss common online threats such as phishing, malware, and scams.
Provide examples of suspicious emails or messages and discuss how to identify them.

Step 4

Interactive Activity

10 mins

Conduct a brief interactive activity where students work in pairs to identify potential threats in given scenarios.
Use a few printable cards with different scenarios for students to analyze and discuss.

Step 5

Closure and Quiz

5 mins

Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
Administer the 'Cybersecurity Basics' quiz to assess students' understanding.

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Worksheet

Password Creation Worksheet

This worksheet helps students practice creating strong passwords by following guidelines discussed in class.

Create a strong password using at least 8 characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols.

Think about a phrase or combination that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Quiz

Cybersecurity Basics Quiz

Discussion

Cybersecurity Discussion

This discussion helps students explore their understanding of cybersecurity and share personal experiences.

Why is it important to have a strong password?

Discuss how strong passwords protect personal information and prevent unauthorized access.

Can you think of any online threats you or someone you know has encountered?

Encourage students to share stories and discuss how they handled the situation.