Lesson Plan
Cybersecurity Superheroes Lesson Plan
Students will learn the basics of cybersecurity and safe digital habits, transforming into digital 'Cybersecurity Superheroes' by understanding how to protect their personal information online.
This lesson empowers young learners to safely navigate the digital world, fostering habits that protect their personal information and encourage responsible behavior online.
Audience
Elementary School Students (Grades 3-5)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and hands-on activity.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Cybersecurity Superheroes Lesson Plan.
- Familiarize yourself with the Superhero Cyber Safety Guide for key points on cybersecurity.
- Review the Cybersecurity Superheroes Slide Deck.
- Review the Cybersecurity Scenarios Activity to prepare for the interactive portion.
- Review the Cybersecurity Scenarios Answer Key to prepare for leading the discussion.
- Arrange any digital tools or printed materials needed for the interactive activity.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Introduce the concept of cybersecurity and why it is important using the Cybersecurity Superheroes Slide Deck.
- Explain what a 'Cybersecurity Superhero' is and discuss basic online safety tips.
Step 2
Interactive Activity
15 minutes
- Engage students with a fun, hands-on activity: use the Cybersecurity Scenarios Activity to ask them to identify safe and unsafe online practices using scenarios shown on a digital board or printed cards.
- Encourage students to share ideas on how a Cybersecurity Superhero might respond to potential threats.
Step 3
Reflective Discussion
10 minutes
- Lead a group discussion to review what was learned during the activity.
- Ask students to share one personal action they can take to enhance their online safety.
- Summarize the key cybersecurity tips from the Superhero Cyber Safety Guide and the Cybersecurity Superheroes Slide Deck. Use the Cybersecurity Scenarios Answer Key to guide the discussion on the scenarios.
Reading
Superhero Cyber Safety Guide
Welcome, junior Cybersecurity Superheroes! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep yourselves and your information safe in our amazing digital world. Here are some super tips to help you on your quest!
1. Keep Your Secret Identity Safe!
Just like superheroes have secret identities, you have personal information. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and even your school's name. Never share this information online with someone you don't know in real life, or without asking a trusted adult first.
2. Strong Passwords are Your Super Shield!
Imagine a super strong shield that protects your secret base. That's what a strong password is for your online accounts! Make sure your passwords are long, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Never share your password with anyone except a trusted adult.
3. Think Before You Click!
Sometimes, bad guys try to trick superheroes with sneaky traps. Online, this can be links or messages that look interesting but are actually trying to steal your information. If something looks suspicious or too good to be true, ask a trusted adult before you click on it.
4. Be a Kind Digital Citizen!
Cybersecurity isn't just about protecting yourself; it's about being a good hero to others! Always be respectful and kind when you are online. Don't say anything mean or hurtful. If you see someone being unkind, tell a trusted adult.
5. Tell a Trusted Adult if Something Feels Wrong!
Even the strongest superheroes need help sometimes! If something online makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused, tell a trusted adult immediately. They are your sidekicks and will help you figure things out.
Remember these tips, and you'll be a true Cybersecurity Superhero, protecting yourself and helping others stay safe online! Go forth and be awesome!
Slide Deck
Welcome, Cybersecurity Superheroes!
Are you ready to become a hero of the digital world?!
Today, we'll learn how to keep ourselves safe online!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of becoming a Cybersecurity Superhero! Explain that we all use technology and it's important to learn how to stay safe online.
What is Cybersecurity?
It's like having a superpower to protect your important things in the digital world!
We protect our:
- Secret Identity (personal info)
- Super Shield (passwords)
- Digital Adventures (what we click)
- Heroic Heart (being kind online)
Explain what cybersecurity is in simple terms – protecting our digital stuff and ourselves online. Ask students if they can think of what 'digital stuff' might be (games, photos, messages).
Super Tip 1: Keep Your Secret Identity Safe!
Just like a superhero, you have a secret identity!
Personal Information is your Secret Identity:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Your school name
Never share this with strangers online! Always ask a trusted adult first.
Introduce the first super tip: keeping your secret identity safe. Discuss examples of personal information and emphasize not sharing it with strangers online.
Super Tip 2: Strong Passwords are Your Super Shield!
Your password is like a super strong shield for your accounts!
Make your shield strong by using:
- Long passwords
- Mix of big (uppercase) and small (lowercase) letters
- Numbers
- Symbols
Never share your password with anyone except a trusted adult!
Explain the importance of strong passwords as a 'super shield'. Give examples of weak vs. strong passwords without revealing actual examples of bad practice.
Super Tip 3: Think Before You Click!
Bad guys online sometimes set sneaky traps!
If something looks strange or too good to be true:
- It might be a trick!
- Always ask a trusted adult before clicking on a link or opening a message you are not sure about.
Discuss the 'think before you click' rule. Explain that some links or messages can be tricky and could lead to problems. Emphasize asking an adult if something feels suspicious.
Super Tip 4: Be a Kind Digital Citizen!
A true superhero is kind to everyone!
When you are online, always be:
- Respectful
- Kind
Don't say anything mean or hurtful. If you see unkindness, tell a trusted adult.
Talk about being a kind digital citizen. Relate it to being a good person in real life. Discuss the importance of respectful communication online.
Super Tip 5: Tell a Trusted Adult if Something Feels Wrong!
Even superheroes need help!
If anything online makes you feel:
- Uncomfortable
- Scared
- Confused
Tell a trusted adult right away! They are your sidekicks!
Reinforce the importance of telling a trusted adult if anything online makes them feel uncomfortable or confused. Identify who trusted adults might be.
Scenario Time: Hero or Zero?
Scenario 1: The New Online Game
Your friend tells you about a super cool new online game! You want to play, but the game asks for your full name, your home address, and your school. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Introduce the scenario activity. Read the first scenario aloud and ask students to discuss if it's a 'Hero Move' or 'Zero Move' and why. Encourage discussion.
Scenario Time: Hero or Zero?
Scenario 2: The Secret Password
You just created a new password for your favorite online cartoon website. It's super tricky to remember. Your best friend asks you to tell them your password so they can log in and play on your account when you're not around. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Read the second scenario aloud and facilitate discussion. Use the Cybersecurity Scenarios Answer Key to guide the discussion.
Scenario Time: Hero or Zero?
Scenario 3: The Suspicious Pop-Up
You are watching videos online, and suddenly a big pop-up appears saying, "CONGRATULATIONS! You've won a FREE tablet! Click here to claim your prize!" What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Read the third scenario aloud and facilitate discussion. Use the Cybersecurity Scenarios Answer Key to guide the discussion.
Scenario Time: Hero or Zero?
Scenario 4: Sharing a Fun Photo
You took a really funny picture of your friend making a silly face in class. You want to share it with all your other friends online. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Read the fourth scenario aloud and facilitate discussion. Use the Cybersecurity Scenarios Answer Key to guide the discussion, especially emphasizing permission.
You are a Cybersecurity Superhero!
You now have the superpowers to stay safe online!
Remember to:
- Keep your secret identity safe!
- Use strong passwords!
- Think before you click!
- Be a kind digital citizen!
- Tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong!
Go forth and be awesome!
Conclude by reiterating their new role as Cybersecurity Superheroes and encouraging them to practice these tips.
Activity
Cybersecurity Scenarios Activity: Hero or Zero?
Welcome, young Cybersecurity Superheroes! It's time to put your super skills to the test. Read each scenario below and decide if the action is a Hero Move (safe and smart) or a Zero Move (unsafe and risky). Be ready to explain why!
Scenario 1: The New Online Game
Your friend tells you about a super cool new online game! You want to play, but the game asks for your full name, your home address, and your school. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Why?
Scenario 2: The Secret Password
You just created a new password for your favorite online cartoon website. It's super tricky to remember. Your best friend asks you to tell them your password so they can log in and play on your account when you're not around. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Why?
Scenario 3: The Suspicious Pop-Up
You are watching videos online, and suddenly a big pop-up appears saying, "CONGRATULATIONS! You've won a FREE tablet! Click here to claim your prize!" What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Why?
Scenario 4: Sharing a Fun Photo
You took a really funny picture of your friend making a silly face in class. You want to share it with all your other friends online. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move?
Why?
Answer Key
Cybersecurity Scenarios Answer Key
Here are the answers and explanations for the 'Cybersecurity Scenarios Activity'. Use this to discuss with your students and reinforce their understanding of online safety!
Scenario 1: The New Online Game
Your friend tells you about a super cool new online game! You want to play, but the game asks for your full name, your home address, and your school. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move? Zero Move!
Why? This is a Zero Move because you should never give out your personal information (like your full name, address, or school) to online games or people you don't know in real life. It's important to keep your secret identity safe!
Scenario 2: The Secret Password
You just created a new password for your favorite online cartoon website. It's super tricky to remember. Your best friend asks you to tell them your password so they can log in and play on your account when you're not around. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move? Zero Move!
Why? This is a Zero Move because your password is like your super shield. You should never share your password with anyone, not even your best friend, unless it's a trusted adult like a parent or teacher who is helping you. Strong passwords protect your accounts!
Scenario 3: The Suspicious Pop-Up
You are watching videos online, and suddenly a big pop-up appears saying, "CONGRATULATIONS! You've won a FREE tablet! Click here to claim your prize!" What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move? Zero Move!
Why? This is a Zero Move because if something online looks too good to be true, it probably is a trick! Clicking on suspicious pop-ups can lead to problems like viruses or scams. Always ask a trusted adult before clicking on something you're unsure about.
Scenario 4: Sharing a Fun Photo
You took a really funny picture of your friend making a silly face in class. You want to share it with all your other friends online. What do you do?
Hero Move or Zero Move? Zero Move (unless you ask first)!
Why? This is a Zero Move unless you first ask your friend for permission! Even if it's a funny picture, it's important to be a kind digital citizen and always ask before sharing photos or videos of others online. What if they don't want it shared? Respecting others' privacy is a true Superhero quality!