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Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Description

In this lesson, students will explore how computers use the binary number system to store and communicate information. Through hands-on activities, they will learn how sequences of 0s and 1s represent data in a computer, understanding the fundamental concept of binary code. This foundational knowledge will enable students to grasp how computers interpret complex information and the importance of secure data encoding in cybersecurity.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Explain the significance of binary in computer communication
  • Encode and decode messages using binary representation
  • Understand the role of transistors in storing and processing binary information
Description

In this lesson, students will learn how to convert between binary and decimal numbers, understand binary place values, and apply these concepts to encode and decode messages using ASCII.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Explain how text can be represented using a sequence of 0s and 1s (binary code)
  • Convert between binary and decimal numbers
  • Identify binary place values
  • Encode and decode messages using ASCII
  • Apply binary concepts to real-world scenarios
Description

In this lesson, students will learn how computers break down images into concrete values that can be stored. Students will learn how images are represented digitally using pixels.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Understand how images can be encoded as data
  • Create pixel images in color and black and white
  • Identify bit storage units by name and size
Description

In this lesson, students will explore the fundamental concepts of the internet, including its infrastructure and operation. Through videos, readings, and interactive activities, students will gain an understanding of wired and wireless networks, the role of submarine cables, and the foundational ideas behind the internet. The lesson culminates in a reflection activity where students articulate their understanding of the internet.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Define what the internet is and explain its significance
  • Differentiate between wired and wireless networks
  • Understand the role of submarine cables in global connectivity
  • Reflect on the foundational concepts of the internet as described by Vint Cerf
  • Articulate their understanding of the internet through open-ended responses
Description

In this lesson, students will explore how internet hardware communicates using Internet Addresses and the Internet Protocol. They will also gain insight into IP addresses, including their function, how to read them, and their role in network communication.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Evaluate protocol effectiveness
  • Demonstrate an understanding of IP addresses
  • Identify IP addresses of devices in a simulated environment
  • Discuss privacy concerns related to IP addresses
Description

In this lesson, students explore how messages get from one address on the internet to another. Students explore the format for creating and reading packets, as defined by open protocols.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Explain how computers communicate using routers, and explain what considerations are made when choosing a route
  • Map messages across several routers of different statuses
  • Analyze the transmission of data between IP addresses using packets
  • Determine if TCP or UDP protocols are more appropriate for transferring several types of data
Description

In this lesson, students will explore how websites function, learning about key concepts such as IP addresses, web servers, DNS, and HTTP. Through interactive activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of how data travels across the internet and the role of protocols in delivering web content.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Understand the structure of a website and its components
  • Explain how web pages are stored and delivered using web servers and protocols
  • Demonstrate the process of sending and receiving data over the internet through activities
Description

In this lesson, students will explore the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model, which is a conceptual framework used to understand how different networking protocols interact and work together. Students will learn about the seven layers of the OSI Model, the functions of each layer, and how it applies to real-world scenarios such as troubleshooting network issues.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Identify the seven layers of the OSI Model
  • Explain the purpose and function of each layer
  • Analyze real-world networking issues using the OSI Model framework
Description

In this lesson, students will explore the various impacts of the internet on society, including social, educational, and personal aspects. Through readings and the Compass Points thinking routine, students will articulate their thoughts and reflect on their understanding of the internet’s influence.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Describe the various impacts of the internet on social, educational, and personal life
  • Express their feelings about the internet using the Compass Points thinking routine
  • Conduct research on selected internet topics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of properly citing sources
  • Participate in discussions, comparing perspectives with peers
Description

In this lesson, students complete a summative assessment of the module’s learning objectives.