Classroom Activities

Mastering your digital magic means more than just knowing the surface — it means understanding the hidden forces powering your devices and networks, and learning how to defend against dark cyber threats lurking in the shadows. These quests will help you:

✨ Unveil the secrets of how technology connects and protects us
🛡️ Build strong defenses to shield your devices from hackers and malware
🔍 Sharpen your wizard’s senses to spot fake alerts, scams, and digital traps
🧠 Grow your knowledge and confidence to troubleshoot and safeguard your digital world

Grab your wands, team up with your fellow Cyber Wizards, and dive into these hands-on quests to become true defenders of the magical realm behind the screen!

🧩 Quest 1: Tech Detective — How Devices and Networks Connect

Objective:
Understand the basics of how computers, smartphones, and networks communicate.

Instructions:

1. Set the Scene (2 min):

“You’re all Tech Detectives on a mission to uncover how your devices talk to each other. Every time you open an app, send a message, or play an online game, data zooms across invisible pathways. Let’s figure out how!”

2. Group Brainstorm (3–5 min):
Ask the class:

“What devices are involved when you send a photo to a friend, or watch a video online?”

Write answers on the board (or have students list aloud):
📱 Smartphone
💻 Laptop
📶 Wi-Fi
☁️ Cloud storage
📡 Router
🖥️ Server
🔐 Encryption (if someone mentions security)

3. Interactive Role Play (5–7 min):
Assign roles: each student (or pair) acts as one of these components:

• Device (phone, laptop, tablet)
• Router
• Wi-Fi signal
• Server or cloud
• App or website
• Hacker (optional for discussion)

Create a human “network map”:

• Ask students to stand in order of how data might travel:
  (e.g., Phone → Wi-Fi → Router → Server → Cloud → and back)
• Use fingers or imaginary string to “pass data” down the line
• Ask:
  • “What happens if one link breaks?”
  • “Where might data be at risk?”
  • “How is it protected on the way?”

4. Team Discussion (5 min):

“In your group, imagine sending a message or playing a game online. Walk through the steps:”

• What happens from device to app?
• Where does data go?
• How can it be intercepted?
• What tools (like passwords or encryption) keep it safe?

5. Optional: Digital Exploration (5–10 min)
If devices are available, students can explore:
🔗 How the Internet Works – Interactive Guide (Mozilla)
🌐 Google’s Internet Infrastructure Tour (Fiber)
🔍 CS Unplugged: Internet Routing Game

6. Wrap-Up Questions (3–5 min):
Ask students to reflect:

• “Which device is the most important?”
• “What surprised you about how data travels?”
• “How do you think the internet keeps information private?”

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🔍 Quest 2: Scam Spotters — Recognize Fake Security Alerts & Tech Support Scams

Objective:
Learn how to spot fake security alerts and avoid tech support scams.

Instructions:

1. Introduction (3–5 min):

• Explain to the class: “You’re Scam Spotters! Your job is to spot fake alerts that try to trick you.”
• Ask: “What kind of fake alerts or calls have you heard about or seen?”

2. Scam Alert Discussion (10 min):

• Verbally describe several common fake alerts or scam messages (e.g., “Your device is infected!” pop-up, urgent email asking for password).
• Ask students to say if they think each is real or fake — and why.
• Discuss common signs of scams: urgency, asking for passwords or money, bad grammar, suspicious links.

3. Scam Call Role-Play (7–10 min):

• Pair students up.
• One acts as a scammer calling to “help” fix a problem by asking for personal info.
• The other practices safe responses:
  • “I don’t share passwords.”
  • “I’ll check with an adult first.”
  • “I’m hanging up now.”
• Switch roles and repeat.

4. Scam Spotter Tips Sharing (5 min):

• As a class, brainstorm and list out loud tips for spotting scams:
  • Don’t click on scary pop-ups.
  • Real companies don’t ask for your password.
  • Check who’s sending messages.
  • Ask an adult if unsure.
  • Hang up or delete suspicious messages.