Middle School Grade  Project 1 week

Digital Defenders: Protecting Families in the Cyber World

Lizzy Sanders
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to empower middle school students to become informed digital citizens by understanding the risks associated with phone usage and cybersecurity. Through designing an engaging workshop for parents and peers, students will develop practical strategies for protecting personal data and making responsible decisions. This project aims to raise awareness about data privacy issues, such as identity theft, and equip students with the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely. By collaborating with community partner Procern Technologies, students will gain insights into real-world cybersecurity challenges and solutions, fostering personal growth and community engagement.

Learning goals

In this project, students will delve into the critical topic of cybersecurity and responsible phone usage. They will explore the risks associated with phone usage, including data privacy and identity theft, and learn practical strategies to protect personal information. Through designing an interactive workshop, students will enhance their understanding of cybersecurity, develop skills in effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, and foster responsible decision-making regarding technology use. By engaging with real-world scenarios and community partners like Procern Technologies, students will gain insights into the importance of safeguarding personal and shared data, empowering them to educate others in their community.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • ISTE Standards for Students - 2b: Students engage in positive, safe, legal, and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.

Products

In this project, students will create and facilitate an engaging workshop aimed at educating parents and peers about the risks associated with phone usage and cybersecurity. The workshop will include interactive elements such as role-playing scenarios that simulate real-life situations, providing practical strategies for safe phone usage and cybersecurity practices. Students will also produce reflective journals or vlogs to document their learning journey, challenges encountered, and personal growth in understanding the importance of data privacy and responsible decision-making. By the end of the project, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of how to protect personal data and empower others to do the same, while also enhancing their communication and collaboration skills through group work and community engagement with Procern Technologies.

Launch

To kick off the project, organize a "Cybersecurity Awareness Day" at the school. Begin with a guest speaker from Procern Technologies who can share real-life stories and insights on the importance of cybersecurity. Follow this with an interactive activity where students and parents participate in a "Data Privacy Challenge." In this challenge, participants are given scenarios where they must identify potential cybersecurity threats and propose solutions to safeguard their personal information. This engaging launch will set the stage for students to understand the relevance of the topic and inspire them to create impactful workshops for their peers and parents.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will host a "Cybersecurity Awareness Fair" where they will present their interactive workshops to parents, peers, and community members. Each group will set up a booth showcasing their role-playing scenarios and practical strategies for safe phone usage. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in these activities, engage in discussions, and provide feedback. This exhibition will not only celebrate students' learning but also serve as a platform for raising awareness about cybersecurity and responsible phone usage within the community. Additionally, students can present their reflective journals or vlogs, highlighting their learning journey and personal growth throughout the project.