Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is vital to the operations of every business and organization, and to our national and global security. A hands-on, collaborative game builds student understanding of how networks operate and what makes them vulnerable to attacks in a fun, engaging and accessible way.

 

CyberSim computer game

Cybersecurity Unit Details

Ideal grades: 7-8

Length: 10-15 hours (Lessons: 6, Extension lessons: 6 [one for each lesson])

 

MATERIALS

  • Enough computers for at least 2:1 Student to computer ratio during class 
  • Internet connection strong enough to stream videos from multiple devices at the same time
  • Access to FREE CompTIA Spark online learning platform
  • Students should have the ability to share documents (instructional videos include sharing options for Microsoft Office online and Google Docs)

To make these units as accessible and easy to implement as possible, all lesson plans have been developed using only online tools that are available to educators and students at no cost (free registration may be required).

HIGH-LEVEL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will build skills and confidence using: 

  • CompTIA Spark CyberSim game (proprietary program)
  • Word/Google Docs
  • PowerPoint/Google slides 

Addresses key skills/concepts including: 

  • Basic Networking, including various software and hardware, such as routers, firewalls, and IP addresses
  • Transmission Control Protocol and how it prevents data loss along a network
  • Denial of Service Attacks and how they are mitigated
  • Coding/iterative system design using pseudocode (as a precursor to real code)
  • Designing technology products to address real-world needs 
  • The role of servers and the internet to enable smart technologies