Objective:

Students will engage in a collaborative classroom discussion about the importance of strong passwords. They will brainstorm the key components of a secure password and write opinion pieces explaining why their created passwords are strong.

Materials Needed:

• Chart paper and markers

• Paper and pencils for writing opinion pieces

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Ask the class, "What is a password, and why is it important?" 

  • Lead a discussion on the role of passwords in protecting personal information, introducing the idea of strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Group Activity:

  • Divide the class into small groups and ask each group to brainstorm the elements of a strong password. 

  • Each group will record their ideas on chart paper, considering why including different types of characters (letters, numbers, symbols) makes passwords harder to guess.

• Building and Writing:

  • Each student will create their own password using the ideas discussed and write an opinion piece explaining why their password is strong. 

  • They will outline the reasoning behind their character choices, such as using capital letters, numbers, or symbols to increase security.

• Testing and Refining:

  • Once students complete their opinion pieces, they will swap with a partner to review each other's work. 

  • Partners will give feedback on whether the password meets the criteria for a strong password, and students will refine their writing based on the feedback they receive.

• Presentation and Discussion:

  • Students will present their password and their written explanations to the class, sharing why their password is strong and how it protects their information. 

  • Lead a discussion on how password security impacts both online and offline safety.

Equity and Access:

Provide sentence starters for students who need additional support with writing their opinion pieces. Pair students for peer feedback to ensure that all students feel supported in refining their passwords and writing.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how strong passwords protect personal accounts, such as email, social media, and online learning platforms. Explain how understanding the importance of password security applies to their everyday use of technology.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify why passwords need to be secure and the risks of weak passwords.

• Communicating About Computing: Students write and share opinion pieces explaining the reasoning behind their password choices and how they contribute to online security.

Standard(s):

• CA CCSS for ELA-Literacy W.2.1

• CA CS K-2.NI.5

Objective:

Students will use Seesaw or another digital creation tool to create multimedia images that illustrate the components of a strong password. After designing their password, each student will write an opinion piece explaining why their password is strong, using digital tools to support their reasoning.

Materials Needed:

• Tablets or computers with multimedia creation app installed

• Digital writing tools (e.g., text boxes, voice recording, drawing tools)

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Begin by asking, "Why are passwords important?" 

  • Lead a discussion about the importance of protecting personal information online, introducing the concept of strong passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Group Activity:

  • In pairs, students will brainstorm what makes a strong password and come up with password ideas. 

  • Using a digital media creation app, each student will create their own unique password. 

  • They will include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to ensure it is secure.

• Creating and Writing:

  • After creating their password, students will write an opinion piece, explaining why their password is strong. 

  • Using the app’s text and voice recording features, students can write or narrate their reasoning, focusing on the importance of each element they included (e.g., "I used a mix of letters and numbers so it’s harder to guess"). 

  • They can also use the drawing tools to visually represent their password's structure.

• Testing and Refining:

  • Once students finish writing, they will share their work with a peer, who will review and provide feedback on whether the password follows the rules for strong security. 

  • Students will refine their passwords and writing based on the feedback they receive, ensuring both clarity and accuracy.

• Presentation and Discussion:

  • Students will present their digital creations and opinion pieces to the class, sharing why their password is strong and how it protects personal information. 

  • Lead a class discussion on the importance of online security and how well-designed passwords safeguard private data.

Equity and Access:

Provide templates for students who need extra support, allowing them to focus more on their reasoning. Encourage peer collaboration to ensure students can help each other in building strong passwords and completing the opinion pieces.

Real-World Application:

Discuss real-life examples of how strong passwords protect online accounts, such as emails, gaming platforms, or school learning portals. Emphasize how creating strong passwords can help prevent hacking or unauthorized access.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create digital posters that showcase strong passwords and write about their reasoning using digital tools.

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students explore why strong passwords are important and analyze how secure passwords can protect data.

• Communicating About Computing: Students write opinion pieces to explain their password choices, integrating both technical reasoning and persuasive writing.

Standard(s):

• CA CCSS for ELA-Literacy W.2.1

• CA CS K-2.NI.5