Syllabus | Cyber Kids

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Cyber Kids – Full Curriculum

“From Curious Explorers to Cyber Creators!”

Part of the Cyber School 6-Year Pathway

Target Audience: Grade 4 Students and Above (Ages 9-10). This course is designed as the starting point of the 6-year pathway, but older students can join if they’re new to the digital world.
Course Duration: 38 Core Sessions (1 hour each) + 10 Optional Sessions
Course Format: Fully Online, Hands-On Learning with Virtual Labs and Interactive Projects

About the Cyber School 6-Year Pathway

The Cyber School 6-Year Pathway takes students on a digital adventure, turning curious young minds into confident tech creators and future cyber defenders. Starting from computer basics and digital safety, students gradually explore coding, artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, and competitive cybersecurity.

The 6 Courses in the Pathway:

1. Cyber Kids (Grade 4+) – Foundations in computer basics, internet safety, and Scratch coding
2. Programming Through Games (Minecraft) (Grade 5+) – Code and create inside Minecraft
3. AI Explorer (Grade 6+) – Build, train, and deploy AI models
4. Cyber Rangers (Grade 7+) – Become digital defenders and ethical hackers
5. Python Security (Grade 8+) – Dive deep into Python programming and secure coding practices
6. Cyber Battle Royale (Grade 9+) – Competitive CTF tournaments, AI security tools, and advanced cybersecurity skills

Start Anytime, Learn at Your Own Pace:
Courses are recommended to be taken in order, but students can jump into any course based on their interests and skills.

About This Course: Cyber Kids

The Cyber Kids course is where the adventure begins! It’s designed to make learning about computers, the internet, and cybersecurity exciting, hands-on, and connected to the real world. Through creative projects, fun games, and digital challenges, students will:

• See computers as tools for creation, not just for homework.
• Learn how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
• Build their first coding projects using Scratch.
• Explore the basics of cybersecurity and AI in kid-friendly ways.
• Showcase their creations in a final project their families can be proud of.

No Boring Tech Talk Here!
🚫 No lectures. ✔️ Only interactive activities.
🚫 No endless slides. ✔️ Only games, storytelling, and hands-on labs.
🚫 No complicated jargon. ✔️ Just real-world skills in a fun, engaging format.

Core Sessions (38 Lessons)

Module 1: Getting Comfortable with Computers & the Internet (Sessions 1-8)

Session 1: Welcome to Cyber Kids! + Meet Your Digital Sidekick

• Topic: Course Introduction, What is a Computer?
• Activity: Choose your Cyber Hero and create a digital avatar.
• Lab: Build your digital identity badge and personalize your learning dashboard.

Session 2: Keyboarding Like a Pro + Mouse Mastery

• Topic: Keyboard shortcuts, mouse controls, and navigation skills.
• Activity: Learn fun keyboard shortcuts and explore drag-and-drop techniques.
• Lab: “Race Against the Clock” – Complete a timed maze using only keyboard shortcuts.

Session 3: Files, Folders & Finding Things Fast

• Topic: File organization, naming conventions, and managing folders.
• Activity: Organize digital files and learn search functions.
• Lab: Create a “My World” folder with school docs, favorite images, and memes.

Session 4: Google Docs – Crafting the Ultimate Class Report

• Topic: Word processing, formatting, and document design.
• Activity: Build a mini-report about a favorite hobby or game.
• Lab: Add images, colors, and headings to design a creative class report.

Session 5: Google Slides – Present Like a YouTuber

• Topic: Storytelling through presentations, animations, and transitions.
• Activity: Build a fun presentation about your top 5 interests.
• Lab: Create a “Top 5 Things About Me” slideshow with images and GIFs.

Session 6: Google Sheets – Turn Numbers into Art

• Topic: Introduction to spreadsheets, data visualization, and simple formulas.
• Activity: Create pixel art and learn to chart data.
• Lab: Build a personal game scoreboard using Google Sheets.

Session 7: Safe Browsing + Beating Internet “Bad Guys”

• Topic: Internet safety, smart searching, and avoiding scams.
• Activity: Learn Google search tips and how to spot fake links.
• Lab: “Internet Treasure Hunt” – Solve online puzzles using smart search skills.

Session 8: The Secrets of the Operating System (OS)

• Topic: Exploring OS basics (Windows/Mac), file systems, and personalization.
• Activity: Navigate hidden settings and customize the desktop.
• Lab: Design a personalized desktop with custom backgrounds and shortcuts.

Module 2: Digital Safety & Online Superpowers (Sessions 9-16)

Session 9: Becoming a Digital Citizen (Without Being Boring)

• Topic: Netiquette, kindness online, and creating a positive digital footprint.
• Activity: Discuss online do’s and don’ts.
• Lab: Create a “My Internet Rules” digital poster.

Session 10: Cyberbullying & Online Etiquette

• Topic: Identifying cyberbullying, trolls, and safe online behavior.
• Activity: Analyze real-life scenarios and practice responses.
• Lab: Roleplay cyberbullying scenarios and design a guide for safe interactions.

Session 11: Cracking the Code: Strong Passwords & Security Tips

• Topic: Password safety, two-factor authentication, and personal security.
• Activity: Explore how hackers crack weak passwords.
• Lab: “Password Maker” game—create and test super-strong passwords.

Session 12: Spotting Online Scams (Phishing for Trouble)

• Topic: Identifying phishing emails, scams, and fake websites.
• Activity: Compare real emails to phishing scams.
• Lab: “Phish or Real?” – Spot phishing attempts in an interactive game.

Session 13: Keeping Secrets: Privacy 101

• Topic: Digital privacy, personal information, and online safety.
• Activity: Understand public vs. private information.
• Lab: Create a Private vs. Public Info chart.

Session 14: Google Chrome Extensions – Online Superpowers

• Topic: Using Chrome extensions for productivity and security.
• Activity: Explore browser add-ons and extensions.
• Lab: Try out extensions and vote on the “Coolest Chrome Hack.”

Session 15: Can You Spot Fake News?

• Topic: Identifying clickbait, deepfakes, and misinformation.
• Activity: Analyze viral stories and break down misleading headlines.
• Lab: “Real or Ridiculous?” – Play a fact-checking challenge.

Session 16: The Web Scavenger Hunt

• Topic: Using smart search strategies to find accurate information.
• Activity: Collaborate with classmates to solve a digital treasure hunt.
• Lab: “Web Scavenger Hunt” – Solve puzzles and collect virtual treasures.

Module 3: Intro to Coding with Scratch (Sessions 17-25)

Session 17: Getting Started with Scratch

• Topic: Scratch interface, block-based coding, and basic commands.
• Activity: Design and animate your name in Scratch.
• Lab: Build your first Scratch project – “Animate Your Name.”

Session 18: Sprites & Backdrops – Creating Your World

• Topic: Sprite design, backdrops, and creating game worlds.
• Activity: Customize characters and scenes.
• Lab: Build a playable game environment.

Session 19: Loops, Events & Movement

• Topic: Movement, loops, and event-driven coding.
• Activity: Make characters move and interact.
• Lab: Build a “Maze Runner” game.

Session 20: Adding Sound, Effects & Animations

• Topic: Sound integration, special effects, and user interaction.
• Activity: Add music, sound effects, and cool animations.
• Lab: Build an interactive animation with custom sound effects.

Session 21: Variables & Scoring Systems

• Topic: Using variables to track scores and health.
• Activity: Build a point system for your game.
• Lab: Create a “Collect the Coins” game.

Session 22: Conditional Statements – “If This, Then That”

• Topic: Conditionals, game logic, and user interaction.
• Activity: Apply if/then logic to create smart behaviors.
• Lab: Build a “Whack-a-Mole” game.

Session 23: Building Your First Full Game

• Topic: Game design principles, planning, and level creation.
• Activity: Plan and code your first complete game.
• Lab: Create a side-scrolling platformer.

Session 24: Storytelling with Scratch

• Topic: Interactive storytelling and choose-your-own-adventure games.
• Activity: Build branching narratives and dialogue choices.
• Lab: Create a choose-your-path story game.

Session 25: Debugging – Fixing Bugs in Your Code

• Topic: Debugging strategies and problem-solving.
• Activity: Learn how to spot and fix common coding mistakes.
• Lab: Debug a broken Scratch game and make it work.

Module 4: The Cyber Kids Final Project (Sessions 26-38)

“Bringing It All Together – Build, Create, and Showcase Your Digital Masterpiece!”

Sessions 26-35: Plan, Build & Present Your Own Game or Story

Students choose between creating a game, interactive story, or digital comic and apply all the skills they’ve learned throughout the course.

Session 26: Brainstorming & Project Planning

• Topic: Choosing Your Final Project – Game, Story, or Comic
• Activity:
  • Explore examples of Scratch games, interactive stories, and digital comics.
  • Use a brainstorming worksheet to plan the storyline, characters, and objectives.
• Lab: Create a project blueprint outlining game rules, storylines, or comic panels.

Session 27: Designing Sprites & Backdrops

• Topic: Creating Custom Characters and Worlds
• Activity:
  • Design original sprites using Scratch’s drawing tools or import external images.
  • Customize backgrounds and game environments.
• Lab: Build personalized sprites and custom backdrops for the project.

Session 28: Coding Core Mechanics

• Topic: Developing Game Mechanics or Story Interactions
• Activity:
  • Plan character movements, interactions, and user inputs.
  • Incorporate simple logic (if/then conditions) and event triggers.
• Lab: Implement basic controls for the project (e.g., character movement, scene changes, or dialogue choices).

Session 29: Adding Variables & Scoring (For Games)

• Topic: Making the Game Interactive and Competitive
• Activity:
  • Introduce variables for score tracking, health, or points.
  • Build timers, counters, or progress bars.
• Lab: Add a scoring system or other measurable goals for players.

Session 30: Enhancing Storylines (For Interactive Stories/Comics)

• Topic: Building Branching Narratives and Decision Trees
• Activity:
  • Use “if/then” coding to create dialogue options and story paths.
  • Add character dialogue, sound effects, and animations.
• Lab: Create branching storylines with multiple endings.

Session 31: Animations, Sound, & Special Effects

• Topic: Bringing the Project to Life
• Activity:
  • Add sound effects, background music, and animations.
  • Explore Scratch’s sound library and animation effects.
• Lab: Implement background music, special effects, and sprite animations.

Session 32: Debugging & Problem Solving

• Topic: Identifying and Fixing Coding Errors
• Activity:
  • Learn debugging strategies to fix broken code.
  • Use Scratch’s “See Inside” feature to troubleshoot logic errors.
• Lab: Review, test, and debug the project to ensure it runs smoothly.

Session 33: Advanced Features (Optional Enhancements)

• Topic: Leveling Up Your Project
• Activity:
  • Introduce advanced coding concepts (timers, multiple levels, or AI-driven NPCs).
  • Add extra layers of interactivity, power-ups, or unique game modes.
• Lab: Incorporate advanced elements like health bars, random events, or game boosters.

Session 34: Preparing for the Showcase

• Topic: Perfecting the Project & Creating Presentation Slides
• Activity:
  • Prepare slides or notes for presenting the project.
  • Practice explaining coding choices, challenges faced, and creative decisions.
• Lab: Final project walkthrough and peer feedback session.

Session 35: Dress Rehearsal – Practice Makes Perfect!

• Topic: Mock Presentation and Last-Minute Edits
• Activity:
  • Conduct a “test run” of the presentation with classmates.
  • Receive feedback and make final tweaks to the project.
• Lab: Complete final revisions and save the project for the showcase.

Sessions 36-38: The Final Showcase

It’s time to show off all the hard work! Students will present their projects in a virtual showcase for classmates, friends, and family.

Session 36: The Cyber Kids Final Showcase – Part 1

• Activity:
  • Students present their games, interactive stories, or comics to the class.
  • Share design choices, challenges faced, and proudest moments.
• Celebration:
  • Earn achievement badges for creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Session 37: The Cyber Kids Final Showcase – Part 2

• Activity:
  • Continue student presentations and peer feedback sessions.
  • Engage in a “Q&A” where classmates can ask questions about each project.
• Recognition:
  • Highlight projects with unique features, storytelling, or coding complexity.

Session 38: Graduation & Cyber Kids Certificate Ceremony

• Activity:
  • Celebrate the completion of the course!
  • Award Cyber Kids Certificates and individual badges for teamwork, creativity, and coding mastery.
• Reflection:
  • Students reflect on their growth, what they learned, and their favorite moments.
• Looking Ahead:
  • Explore what’s next in the Cyber School 6-Year Pathway (Minecraft coding, AI, Cybersecurity, and more).

Optional Content & Enrichment (10 Extra Sessions)

For students who want to go beyond the core lessons:

1. Advanced Scratch: Build multiplayer games.
2. AI Experiments: Train a simple chatbot.
3. Intro to Python: Move from block-based coding to real code.
4. AI-Powered Games: Design smart NPCs.
5. Creating Digital Art & Animations: Design game characters and backgrounds.
6. Internet of Things (IoT) for Kids: Simulate smart home networks.
7. Cyber Detective Game: Solve a digital mystery.
8. Ethical Hacking (Kid-Friendly): Find vulnerabilities and fix them.
9. Intro to Web Design: Build a simple website.
10. Final Showcase – Invite the Family!