CyberSafe Adventures: Game Design for Online Safety
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an engaging game that empowers kids to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, protecting themselves from online risks, cyberbullying, and misinformation while promoting positive online communication and strong password practices?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the potential risks and dangers of using the internet?
- How can you protect your personal information online?
- What is cyberbullying, and how can you prevent it?
- How do you identify fake news and scams online?
- What are the rules for communicating with others online?
- Why is it important to create strong passwords and keep them safe?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and assess online safety risks, including cyberbullying, phishing, and malware.
- Students will learn strategies for protecting personal information online, such as creating strong passwords and managing privacy settings.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content and identify misinformation and scams.
- Students will understand and practice responsible online communication, including respecting others and avoiding cyberbullying.
- Students will design an interactive game to teach online safety to their peers.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsCybersecurity News Alert
A local news station reports a story about a child who fell for an online scam, losing their parents' money. Students analyze the news clip, identifying the deceptive tactics used and discussing the emotional impact on the child and family. This event sparks immediate interest in understanding how to protect themselves and others online.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Online Threat Encyclopedia
Students will research common online threats such as phishing, malware, and cyberbullying. They will create a detailed infographic explaining each threat, including real-life examples and potential consequences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive infographic detailing various online safety risks with examples and consequences.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to identify and assess online safety risks, including cyberbullying, phishing, and malware.Digital Safety Manual
Students will learn about password security and privacy settings. They will then create a 'digital safety manual' that includes guidelines for creating strong passwords, managing privacy settings on social media, and avoiding phishing scams. The manual should be easy to understand for elementary-aged children.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 'Digital Safety Manual' with guidelines for strong passwords, privacy settings, and avoiding scams.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will learn strategies for protecting personal information online, such as creating strong passwords and managing privacy settings.Fact or Fiction Challenge
Students will participate in a 'Fact or Fiction' challenge where they analyze different online articles, websites, and social media posts to identify fake news and scams. They will learn to verify information using reliable sources and create a checklist for spotting misinformation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 'Fact or Fiction' checklist for identifying misinformation, along with analyzed examples.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content and identify misinformation and scams.Cyberbullying Prevention PSA
Students will learn about responsible online communication and cyberbullying prevention. They will create a storyboard for a public service announcement (PSA) video that promotes positive online interactions and provides strategies for dealing with cyberbullying.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA storyboard for a PSA video promoting positive online communication and cyberbullying prevention.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will understand and practice responsible online communication, including respecting others and avoiding cyberbullying.CyberSafe Adventures Game Design
Students will use their accumulated knowledge to design an interactive game that teaches online safety to their peers. The game should incorporate elements from the previous activities, such as identifying online threats, creating strong passwords, spotting misinformation, and practicing responsible online communication. Students will create a game design document outlining the game's mechanics, rules, and learning objectives.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete game design document outlining the mechanics, rules, and learning objectives of the online safety game.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will design an interactive game to teach online safety to their peers.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCyberSafe Adventures Portfolio Rubric
Online Threat Understanding
This category assesses the accuracy, clarity, and impact of the infographic in detailing online threats.Accuracy of Information
Accuracy of information presented in the infographic regarding online threats.
Beginning
1 PointsThe infographic contains inaccurate or incomplete information about online threats, demonstrating a lack of understanding.
Developing
2 PointsThe infographic presents mostly accurate information but misses some key details or contains minor inaccuracies.
Proficient
3 PointsThe infographic presents accurate information about online threats with sufficient details and examples.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe infographic presents comprehensive and accurate information about online threats, including real-life examples and potential consequences, demonstrating a deep understanding.
Infographic Clarity and Organization
Clarity and organization of the infographic.
Beginning
1 PointsThe infographic is disorganized and difficult to understand, with unclear visuals and text.
Developing
2 PointsThe infographic is somewhat organized but lacks clarity in some areas, making it difficult to follow the information.
Proficient
3 PointsThe infographic is well-organized and easy to understand, with clear visuals and concise text.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe infographic is exceptionally well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to understand, presenting information in a clear and engaging manner.
Real-life Examples and Consequences
Use of real-life examples and consequences to illustrate the threats.
Beginning
1 PointsThe infographic lacks real-life examples and does not adequately explain the potential consequences of the online threats.
Developing
2 PointsThe infographic includes limited real-life examples and provides a basic explanation of the potential consequences.
Proficient
3 PointsThe infographic includes relevant real-life examples and clearly explains the potential consequences of each online threat.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe infographic effectively uses compelling real-life examples and thoroughly explains the potential consequences, demonstrating a strong understanding of the impact of online threats.
Digital Safety Manual Quality
This category evaluates the completeness, clarity, and practicality of the digital safety manual.Completeness of Guidelines
Completeness of guidelines for creating strong passwords, managing privacy settings, and avoiding phishing scams.
Beginning
1 PointsThe manual is missing key guidelines or provides incorrect information.
Developing
2 PointsThe manual includes some guidelines but lacks detail or clarity in certain areas.
Proficient
3 PointsThe manual provides complete and accurate guidelines for creating strong passwords, managing privacy settings, and avoiding phishing scams.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe manual offers comprehensive, insightful, and easy-to-follow guidelines that go beyond the basics, demonstrating a thorough understanding of digital safety practices.
Age-Appropriateness and Clarity
Clarity and ease of understanding for elementary-aged children.
Beginning
1 PointsThe manual is confusing and difficult for elementary-aged children to understand.
Developing
2 PointsThe manual is somewhat understandable but could be clearer and more accessible for elementary-aged children.
Proficient
3 PointsThe manual is easy to understand and provides clear instructions for elementary-aged children.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe manual is exceptionally clear, engaging, and tailored to elementary-aged children, using age-appropriate language and visuals to enhance understanding.
Practicality and Usefulness
Practicality and usefulness of the advice provided in the manual.
Beginning
1 PointsThe advice provided in the manual is impractical or not useful for protecting personal information online.
Developing
2 PointsThe advice provided is somewhat practical but lacks specific details or actionable steps.
Proficient
3 PointsThe manual provides practical and useful advice for protecting personal information online.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe manual offers highly practical, actionable, and innovative advice that empowers children to take control of their online safety and protect their personal information effectively.
Misinformation Detection
This category assesses the accuracy, effectiveness, and demonstration of the 'Fact or Fiction' checklist.Accuracy of Information
Accuracy of information in identifying fake news and scams.
Beginning
1 PointsThe checklist contains inaccurate or misleading information about identifying fake news and scams.
Developing
2 PointsThe checklist includes some accurate information but misses key indicators of fake news and scams.
Proficient
3 PointsThe checklist provides accurate and reliable information for identifying fake news and scams.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe checklist is exceptionally accurate, providing comprehensive and nuanced information for identifying even the most sophisticated forms of fake news and scams.
Checklist Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the checklist in helping users spot misinformation.
Beginning
1 PointsThe checklist is ineffective and does not help users identify misinformation.
Developing
2 PointsThe checklist is somewhat helpful but lacks clarity or key indicators for spotting misinformation.
Proficient
3 PointsThe checklist is effective in helping users identify common forms of misinformation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe checklist is highly effective and empowers users to critically evaluate online content and confidently identify misinformation and scams.
Quality of Analyzed Examples
Quality of analyzed examples in demonstrating the application of the checklist.
Beginning
1 PointsThe analyzed examples are irrelevant or poorly explained, failing to demonstrate the use of the checklist.
Developing
2 PointsThe analyzed examples are somewhat relevant but lack detailed explanations of how the checklist was applied.
Proficient
3 PointsThe analyzed examples are relevant and clearly demonstrate how the checklist can be used to identify misinformation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe analyzed examples are exceptionally insightful and provide a comprehensive demonstration of how the checklist can be applied to various types of online content, enhancing critical thinking skills.
Cyberbullying Prevention PSA
This category evaluates the storyboard's effectiveness in addressing cyberbullying and promoting positive online communication.Understanding of Cyberbullying Impact
Understanding of the impact of cyberbullying.
Beginning
1 PointsThe storyboard demonstrates a limited understanding of the impact of cyberbullying.
Developing
2 PointsThe storyboard shows some awareness of the impact of cyberbullying but lacks depth.
Proficient
3 PointsThe storyboard clearly demonstrates an understanding of the impact of cyberbullying on individuals and communities.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe storyboard powerfully conveys the profound impact of cyberbullying, demonstrating empathy and a deep understanding of its emotional and social consequences.
Promotion of Positive Communication
Effectiveness of strategies for promoting positive online communication.
Beginning
1 PointsThe storyboard lacks effective strategies for promoting positive online communication.
Developing
2 PointsThe storyboard includes some strategies but lacks clarity or impact.
Proficient
3 PointsThe storyboard effectively promotes strategies for positive online communication and respectful interactions.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe storyboard creatively and effectively integrates innovative strategies for fostering positive online communication and building a culture of respect and empathy.
Storyboard Clarity and Creativity
Clarity and creativity of the storyboard in conveying the PSA message.
Beginning
1 PointsThe storyboard is confusing and lacks a clear message.
Developing
2 PointsThe storyboard is somewhat clear but lacks creativity and engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsThe storyboard is clear, creative, and effectively conveys the PSA message.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe storyboard is exceptionally creative, visually compelling, and powerfully conveys the PSA message, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
CyberSafe Adventures Game Design
This category evaluates the game design document's integration of concepts, clarity, and alignment of objectives with gameplay.Integration of Concepts
Integration of online safety concepts from previous activities.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game design document demonstrates little to no integration of online safety concepts from previous activities.
Developing
2 PointsThe game design document integrates some online safety concepts but lacks coherence or depth.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game design document effectively integrates online safety concepts from previous activities into the game design.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game design document seamlessly and creatively integrates a wide range of online safety concepts, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding and innovative application of learned material.
Game Mechanics and Rules
Clarity and feasibility of the game mechanics and rules.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game mechanics and rules are unclear, confusing, or not feasible.
Developing
2 PointsThe game mechanics and rules are somewhat clear but lack detail or practicality.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game mechanics and rules are clear, feasible, and well-defined.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game mechanics and rules are exceptionally clear, innovative, and highly engaging, demonstrating a deep understanding of game design principles and their application to online safety education.
Learning Objectives and Gameplay
Alignment of learning objectives with gameplay.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game design document fails to align learning objectives with the game's gameplay.
Developing
2 PointsThe game design document shows a weak alignment between learning objectives and gameplay.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game design document effectively aligns learning objectives with the game's gameplay, ensuring that players learn about online safety while playing.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game design document demonstrates a seamless and innovative alignment of learning objectives with engaging gameplay, creating a powerful and memorable learning experience for players.