Cybersecurity Savvy

June Wicker

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Cybersecurity Savvy

Discuss Cybersecurity and Passwords

This lesson introduces 8th-grade students to the basics of cybersecurity, focusing on the importance of strong passwords. Through a guided discussion and an engaging activity, students will explore how to create secure passwords and understand the significance of protecting personal information online. This lesson is crucial in today's digital age, as it equips students with the knowledge to safeguard their online presence and encourages responsible digital citizenship.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Password Creation Activity Worksheet, and Video: Being Safe on the Internet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to cybersecurity and its relevance in daily life.
Ask students if they have ever heard of cybersecurity and what they think it means.

Step 2

Discussion

15 mins

Use the provided discussion questions to explore students' understanding of passwords and their importance.
Watch the Being Safe on the Internet video to provide a real-world example of cybersecurity issues.
Encourage students to share their experiences with creating passwords and any challenges they face.

Step 3

Activity: Password Creation

15 mins

Distribute the Password Creation Activity Worksheet.
Instruct students to work in pairs to complete the worksheet, focusing on creating strong, memorable passwords.
Circulate the room to provide guidance and support as needed.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points discussed about cybersecurity and password protection.
Ask students to share one new thing they learned about creating secure passwords.
Encourage students to apply these practices in their own digital lives.

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Discussion

Cybersecurity and Passwords

A discussion to explore students' understanding of cybersecurity and the importance of passwords.

What is cybersecurity, and why is it important?

Guide students to think about the protection of personal information and the role of cybersecurity in preventing unauthorized access.

Why do we need strong passwords?

Discuss how strong passwords protect against hacking and unauthorized access to personal accounts.

What makes a password strong?

Encourage students to think about length, complexity, and unpredictability in password creation.

Worksheet

Password Creation Activity

An activity worksheet to help students practice creating strong and secure passwords.

Create a password that is at least 12 characters long, includes numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters.

Think about using a phrase or a combination of unrelated words.

Why is it important to avoid using personal information in your passwords?

Consider how easily personal information can be found online.

List three tips for creating a memorable yet strong password.

Consider using mnemonics or patterns that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.