What is cyber science? And how can we discuss this with our students?
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Cyber science and our students
All of our students participate in an internet connected network in some way; they are 'digital natives', having been born into a connected world. They’re a global community of students who have always had access to a search engine to find any information they may be curious about. What a great opportunity, and responsibility, we have to help educate students about what it means to participate in and use a globally connected network.
This is an exciting time for students to engage with the emerging field of 'cyber science'. Cyber science is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of cyber technology and human behaviour. It impacts the world’s leading industries, including mobile, energy, healthcare and finance.
There are endless technical and social problems to solve under the general umbrella of cyber science. Some issues are not new, but how they manifest can be. Many of the technologies and devices are new and need qualified and trustworthy individuals to design and oversee their implementations to help inspire trust in the systems that are used every day.
Steve Morrill, Director of Technology & Cyber Science, Loyola Blakefield – Towson MD, USA
Steve is coming to Australia to host professional learning events. For details, visit the Day of STEM website.
Suggested resources
The Digital Technologies Hub features a range of resources to help you engage your students in cyber science and cyber security, linked to the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies.
Privacy basics: Passwords, tracking, and data retention (Years 7–8)
Students learn about web mechanics, security, and privacy as they analyse and reflect on common surveillance practices, as well as their own privacy habits.
NovaLab: Cyber security (Years 7–10)
Learn about the simple things you can do to protect yourself and your information. See how encryption can protect your privacy.
Protect your data (Years 7–8)
This module covers three areas of web literacy including reading for the web, writing for the web and participating on the web, in order to engage in the topic of privacy.
Network security (Years 9–10)
The lesson provides an explanation of key terms and a series of unplugged activities that can be used to explore four key areas of network security.
You can find more resources on the Digital Technologies Hub by searching for cyber security.
Further reading
ISTE Conference 2017
Cymantha Cantrill, Scootle Lounge
In December 2016, Cymantha Cantrill won $1,000 toward professional learning in a competition run by Scootle. The Deputy Principal from Canberra elected to attend the ISTE Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Scootle asked Cymantha to provide some insight into her experience.
Teaching about cyber security: Taking steps to improve online safety and prevent data breaches
Jennifer Cutraro, The Learning Network
This lesson will help students understand the extent of cyber attacks and the risks they pose. It also provides information about what organisations and individuals can do to protect their data online.
Webinars
Cyber security: Why cyber is part of STEM
Presented by: Steve Morrill
26 July, 4.30–5.30pm AEST
This webinar will be presented by Steve Morrill, and will introduce the topic of cyber science and why it is part of STEM. There are natural connections between computer science and cyber. This will be a practical discussion of tools and tactics that can be implemented in the classroom today. All skill levels and disciplines are welcome.
Scratch and Makey Makey
Presented by: Jo Klein
Jo provides practical examples of design activities. She covers what Makey Makey is, how to introduce it, and how to integrate it with Scratch programming. Jo talks about how it applies to the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies.
The recording for this, and all of our previous webinars can be found on our webinars page.
Optus Cyber Security Experience
This experience is part of the Day of STEM platform, and is powered by LifeJourney. Students explore six cyber careers, and learn about the decisions involved when a cyber security attack happens. Educators can run this experience in the classroom, and students can work individually or in groups to complete the cyber challenges that are provided.
Upcoming events
Find out what competitions, conferences and professional learning opportunities are on offer in 2017 through our events calendar.
- Women in STEM; various dates in March–August, VIC
- DigiCon17 Conference; 27–28 July, VIC
- Digital Technologies Workshop; 29–30 July, VIC
- NCSS Challenge; 31 July–3 September
- ICT Educators NSW Workshops; 31 July, NSW
- InTEACT / ACS 2017 Conference; 15–16 August, ACT
- Leading a Digital School Conference; 17–19 August, QLD
- Future Focused Learning: Inspiring students, STEM and beyond; 18 August, WA
- Adolescent Success Conference; 24–26 August, QLD
- Improving STEM Education Conference; 29–30 August, VIC
- K–12 Digital Classroom Practice Conference; 1–2 September, VIC
Cyber security making news
Australia’s planned decryption law would weaken cyber security, The Conversation
Australia drops to seventh on United Nations cyber security index, The Canberra Times
Is the government’s cyber security strategy failing?, The Sydney Morning Herald
At cyber security camps, teen girls learn about protecting nation, breaking barriers, Leslie Brody
Cyber security needs a nuanced approach, TODAY Online
Cyber security habits across generations (infographic), Rose Leadem
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