Cybersecurity awareness is interdisciplinary and relevant to all subject areas. The technology component of cybersecurity, however, naturally makes strong connections between cybersecurity and STEM education. As experienced STEM teachers, the CYBER.ORG Middle School curriculum team has included tried and true methods used in our STEM classrooms to build interest and awareness in cybersecurity for middle school students especially in underrepresented populations. Middle school cybersecurity modules include many hands-on learning experiences for example students create and learn to use a shift cipher to understand historic encryption techniques.

The technology component of cybersecurity, however, naturally makes strong connections between cybersecurity and STEM education.

Each module is project or problem-based and centers around an authentic real-world learning experience that middle school students may encounter like identifying deep fakes online. Modules also build 21st-century skills needed in cybersecurity such as coding. Students have an opportunity with the CYBER.ORG content to build their coding skills with micro: bit Block programming while reinforcing cybersecurity concepts. As student cybersecurity awareness grows, keeping their interest is important by exposing students to future careers in cybersecurity. Each module includes applicable cybersecurity career connections for students to explore.

Cybersecurity may feel like an intimidating subject to teach at first but CYBER.ORG has free lessons and resources to help you get started. Start by joining the CYBER.ORG team in June for the virtual Cyber Education Discovery Forum where we will be providing training on the middle school cybersecurity modules. Before, during, or after the Cyber Education Discovery Forum, the CYBER.ORG team is always on hand to answer any question or provide support to help you teach cybersecurity awareness in middle school.