Lesson Plan
Privacy Investigation
Students will be able to identify personal information, analyze data-sharing scenarios, and make informed decisions about what is safe to share online.
Understanding data privacy and cybersecurity is crucial in today's digital world. This lesson empowers students to protect their personal information and navigate online environments safely.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, scenario analysis, and a critical thinking game.
Materials
Who Sees Your Data? (slide-deck), Data Detective Case Files (worksheet), and Privacy Puzzle (game)
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Who Sees Your Data? slide-deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Data Detective Case Files worksheet for each student.
- Prepare the Privacy Puzzle game by ensuring all components are ready (e.g., cutting out scenario cards if applicable).
Step 1
Introduction & Hook: What's Your Digital Footprint?
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion about what students already know about sharing information online. Use the Who Sees Your Data? slide-deck to introduce the concept of a 'digital footprint.'
- Ask: "Every time you post, like, or search online, you're leaving a trail. What do you think that trail is called?" (Digital footprint)
- Emphasize that today we will become 'Data Detectives' to investigate what's safe to share and what's not.
Step 2
Data Detective Case Files Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Data Detective Case Files worksheet to each student.
- Explain that students will work individually or in small groups to analyze different data-sharing scenarios.
- Instruct students to read each scenario carefully and decide if the information should be shared, providing reasoning for their choice.
- Circulate around the classroom to facilitate discussion and provide guidance as students work through the scenarios.
Step 3
Debrief and Discussion
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Select a few scenarios from the Data Detective Case Files worksheet to discuss as a whole class.
- Ask students to share their reasoning and facilitate a discussion on differing opinions.
- Use the Who Sees Your Data? slide-deck to highlight key takeaways about data privacy and the importance of critical thinking before sharing online.
Step 4
Wrap-up: Privacy Puzzle
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Privacy Puzzle game.
- Explain the rules of the game (e.g., matching scenarios to privacy best practices).
- This can be a quick interactive activity to reinforce the concepts learned.
- End by reminding students that they are the guardians of their own data and to always think like a 'Data Detective' online.
Slide Deck
Welcome, Data Detectives!
Today, we're going to become super sleuths of the digital world. Our mission: to uncover the mysteries of online privacy!
Introduce the topic by asking students what they think 'data' means in the context of online activities. Explain that every interaction online leaves a trace.
Your Digital Footprint
What is it?
- The trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet.
- Every website you visit, every post you make, every photo you share leaves a mark.
Why does it matter?
- It's like your online reputation. It can grow and change over time.
Define 'digital footprint' clearly. Give simple, relatable examples like posting photos, commenting on videos, or even just searching for information for a school project.
What Kinds of Data Are We Talking About?
Think about it:
- Personal Information: Your name, age, where you live, your school.
- Activity Data: What you search for, videos you watch, games you play.
- Location Data: Where your phone or computer says you are.
Discuss different types of information. Ask students for examples of personal information (name, address, school) vs. non-personal information (favorite color, type of pet). Emphasize that context matters.
Who Sees Your Data?
It's not just your friends!
- Friends & Family: People you know and trust.
- Social Media Companies: They use your data to show you ads.
- App Developers: They need some data for their apps to work.
- Strangers: People you don't know who might see public posts.
Introduce the idea of different 'audiences' for online information. Use an analogy: would you tell a stranger on the street your home address? Why or why not? The internet is similar.
Why is Your Data Collected?
Companies collect data for many reasons:
- To make their services better for you.
- To show you ads that might interest you.
- To understand what people like and dislike online.
Explain why companies collect data (e.g., personalized ads, improving services). Frame it neutrally, then move into the 'Data Detective' activity where students will assess specific scenarios.
Your Mission: Data Detective Case Files
You'll receive a Data Detective Case Files worksheet.
- Read each scenario carefully.
- Decide: Is it safe to share this information?
- Explain your reasoning. Think about your digital footprint!
Transition to the worksheet. Explain that they will be putting their detective skills to the test.
Debrief: What Did We Discover?
Let's share our findings!
- Which scenarios were tricky?
- What made you decide if something was safe or not?
- What are some general rules we can follow to protect our data?
After the activity, lead a discussion. Ask students to share their findings and discuss the implications of sharing or not sharing certain types of data. Reinforce the concept of thinking before sharing.
Time for the Privacy Puzzle!
Now, let's put all our knowledge to the test with the Privacy Puzzle game!
- Match the scenario to the best privacy practice.
- Show off your amazing Data Detective skills!
Introduce the 'Privacy Puzzle' game as a fun way to review and solidify their understanding. Encourage them to apply what they've learned.
Be Your Own Data Guardian!
Remember, you are the boss of your data.
- Think before you click!
- Question before you share!
- Protect your digital footprint!
Stay safe online, Data Detectives!
Summarize the key takeaway: students are in control of their data. Encourage them to be vigilant and informed digital citizens.
Worksheet
Data Detective Case Files
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. As a Data Detective, your job is to analyze the situation and decide if the information should be shared online. Explain your reasoning for each case.
Case 1: The Birthday Bash Photo
Your best friend posts a photo of your birthday party online. In the background, there's a banner with your full name and street address clearly visible. They tag you in the photo.
Should this photo be shared as is? (Circle one) Yes / No
Your Detective Reasoning:
Case 2: The Gaming Group Chat
You're in a new online gaming group chat. Someone asks everyone to share their school name and the city they live in so they can see if anyone lives close enough to meet up.
Should you share your school name and city? (Circle one) Yes / No
Your Detective Reasoning:
Case 3: The Awesome New App
You download a cool new photo editing app. When you open it, it asks for permission to access your microphone, camera, and precise location, even though the app only edits photos.
Should you grant all permissions? (Circle one) Yes / No
Your Detective Reasoning:
Case 4: The Online Quiz Results
You take a fun online quiz that tells you which fictional character you are. At the end, it asks you to share your results on social media, which also shares your email address and birthdate, which you entered to take the quiz.
Should you share your quiz results? (Circle one) Yes / No
Your Detective Reasoning:
Case 5: The "Help Me!" Post
A classmate posts a message on social media saying, "I lost my phone and need help! Can everyone share my home address so my parents can come find me?"
Should you share your classmate's home address? (Circle one) Yes / No
Your Detective Reasoning:
Game
Privacy Puzzle: Match the Scenario!
Instructions: This game requires physical cards to be prepared by the teacher beforehand. Cut out the "Scenario Cards" and the "Privacy Practice Cards." Students will work in pairs or small groups to match each scenario with the best privacy practice.
Scenario Cards (Cut these out!)
Card A: The New Game Request
An online friend you've only talked to a few times in a game asks for your personal phone number to text you outside the game.
Card B: The Public Wi-Fi Connection
You're at a coffee shop using their free Wi-Fi and decide to log into your bank account to check your balance.
Card C: The Fun Personality Quiz
You find an online quiz that promises to tell you your future career, but it asks for your full name, date of birth, and mother's maiden name.
Card D: The Group Photo Tag
A friend posts a group photo of you and your classmates at a school event. They tag everyone, including a new student who hasn't given permission to be tagged online.
Card E: The Urgent Email
You receive an email from what looks like your school administration, asking you to click a link and verify your login details immediately because of a security breach.
Privacy Practice Cards (Cut these out!)
Practice 1: Think Before You Connect
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like banking or email) on public Wi-Fi. It's often unsecured, and your data could be intercepted. Wait until you have a secure, private connection.
Practice 2: Verify and Be Skeptical
Be suspicious of urgent requests, especially those asking for personal information or login details. Always verify the sender and the request through official channels (e.g., call the school, don't click the link in the email).
Practice 3: Keep Personal Info Private
Never share highly personal information (like your phone number, full address, social security number, or financial details) with online acquaintances, even if they seem friendly. Only share with trusted individuals in person.
Practice 4: Read Permissions and Privacy Policies
Before giving any personal information to an online quiz or app, check what data it's asking for and why. If it seems excessive for the service, don't provide it or choose an alternative.
Practice 5: Respect Others' Privacy
Always ask for permission before tagging others in photos or sharing their personal information online, especially if they are new or haven't explicitly agreed to it. Consider the comfort level of others.