Creating Safe Passwords Webquest

INTRODUCTION

TASK

1. Imagine that you have a secret. Would you share it with everyone?

2. Imagine that you have a key to your house, why wouldn’t you leave it right next to your door on a string?

Like a secret or having a key easily accessible, some things are meant to remain private. In this lesson, we will learn about the importance of strong passwords and thinking before we post.

PROCESS/RESOURCES

1. Click here to access the online KWL creator. Use this tool to answer the first two questions: (1) What you already know about creating strong passwords and (2) What you want to learn more about in regards to creating safe passwords.

2. Watch the video below entitled "Playing and Staying Safe Online."

3. Watch the video below entitled "How to Create a Strong Password."

4. Review the information presented in the videos here.

5. Complete the password activity pictured below. You may write your responses on a scratch piece of paper.

6. Check your answers to the password activity here.

7. Complete the "Safe Password Assignment" below.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the same password for each of your online accounts is like using the same key to lock your home, school locker and bike – if a criminal gains access to one, all of them are compromised. So don’t use the same password for an online newsletter as you do for your email or social networking account. It may be less convenient, but picking multiple passwords keeps you safer. Another way to safeguard passwords is to keep them in a secret place that isn’t easily visible. Writing down passwords isn’t necessarily a bad idea. But if you do this, it’s important that you don’t leave notes with your passwords in plain sight, on your computer or desk.

Most of us have things on the web that we want to keep safe. One of the best ways to keep those things safe is to make sure that you have set strong passwords on your accounts. Strong passwords are really important. They protect your information online. Like the key to your house or the combination to your locker -- they protect things that are of value to you. And once a strong password has been created, it should not be shared with anyone. For teens, passwords should only be shared with a parent or trusted adult.

EVALUATION & REFLECTION

Please return to your online KWL chart and fill out the last question, what have you learned about creating safe passwords.

EXTENSION

If you're currently wondering how you could possibly keep track of all the passwords you'll need for your digital endeavors, LastPass, a password manager, could be your solution. Check out the video below for a tutorial.

NOTE TO TEACHER

Lesson Description

In this lesson, students will learn why it is important to safeguard passwords and how to create strong passwords that are difficult to guess.

Time Required

Approximently 45 minutes

Prerequisites

Students need to understand the basics behind passwords (what passwords mean). They also need basic computer skills and experience using the Internet.

Recommended Grade

6th-8th grade

Essential Question

What makes a strong password and why should I keep my passwords private?

Learning Objectives

Students will learn how to create strong passwords.
Students will learn guidelines that keep their passwords safe

Standards Addressed

ALA Standard 8:3: Student will use information technology responsibly.

Materials Needed

An internet connected device for each student
A pair of headphones for each student
A piece of scratch paper for each student