Can You Keep a Secret?

Elementary students will be able to identify the meaning of "password". Students will explain reasons why a strong password is important. Students will create an example of a memorable and strong password.

Author: Phaedra Davila
Grade Levels: K-2, 3-5
Standards: BENCHMARK SC.K2.CS-PC.4.1 Explain that some information is private and should not be shared
Materials: Website

OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Elementary students will be able to identify the meaning of “password”. Students will explain reasons why a strong password is important. Students will create an example of a memorable and strong password.

Meta description

  • Grade Level : K-2, 3-5
  • Subject Area: Computer Science, Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts, Technology
  • Cybersecurity Concept:
    • Confidentiality, Think Like an Adversary
  • Computer Science Domains:
    • Computing Systems
  • Computer Science Principles:
    • Collaborating Around Computing, Communicating About Computing
  • Materials:
    • Website
  • Considerations:
    • Possibly better to do this activity with students who are able to spell.

Lesson Plan

Overview

Elementary students will be able to identify the meaning of “password”. Students will explain reasons why a strong password is important. Students will create an example of a memorable and strong password.

PRE/POST-TEST

What does the term “password” mean?

Which of these are reasons why a strong password is important?

Which is an example of a memorable and strong password?

OBJECTIVES

Identify the meaning of “password”.

Explain reasons why a strong password is important.

Create an example of a memorable and strong password.

CATCH/HOOK

We will build our own versions of “Matt’s Coder/Decoder from the Cyberchase show on PBS.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Pretest. Invite kids to sit at table with different kinds of locks. (Combination lock, deadbolt lock etc. Ask them to explain what these things are use for and what happens when we don’t have them. Explain the meaning of “password” and any other important terms. Consider using a matching game. Discuss the necessity and consequences of strong/weak secret password . Distribute and project the Cyberchase Coder/Decoder Handout. Say: One way to make a strong password is to start with system that exchanges some of your letters or numbers Create the Cyberchase Coder/Decoder. Follow directions on attachment. Lastly, allow students to make a password. They should work independently to create it, Ask if anyone wants to share there creation. Then remind them before they start to say it: “NO WAY! It’s a secret! Don’t share it with the group!” Post-test

Password Power-Up _ Common Sense Education - Dionne Davila.pdf Cyberchase_Make-Matts-Coder-Decoder - Dionne Davila.pdf

REVIEW

Post-test

STANDARDS

BENCHMARK SC.K2.CS-PC.4.1 Explain that some information is private and should not be shared FL