Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
Digital Footprint Project: Creating a Positive Profile
Students will create a positive online profile by sharing appropriate content and engaging in responsible online behavior.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'digital footprint' using a simple analogy.
Identify at least three online actions (events) that create a digital footprint.
Explain that online information can be permanent.
Classify pieces of online data as 'public' (safe to share) or 'private' (keep secret).
Use a simple conditional rule (If-Then) to determine if an online action creates a positive or tricky footprint.
Trace the steps of a simple online scenario to analyze its digital footprint.
Have you ever left footprints in the sand or snow? 👣 What if every time you used a computer or tablet, you left invisible footprints for others to see?
Today, we become Digital Detectives! We will learn what a digital footprint is, how our online actions create one, and wh...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Digital FootprintThe trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet. It's like a collection of all your online steps!Liking a video, posting a photo of your pet, or writing a comment in a game are all parts of your digital footprint.
DataTiny pieces of information that are collected, shared, and stored on computers.Your username is data. A comment you write is data. The score you get in a game is data.
Online Action (Event)Anything you do on the internet, like clicking, typing, or posting. Every action is an event that can leave a trace.Clicking the 'send' button on an email is an event. Choosing an emoji is an event.
PermanentSomething that lasts for a very long time and is very hard to erase completely, like a drawing in permanent marker.A...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The 'If-Then' Footprint Rule (Conditional)
IF I do an action online, THEN I create a piece of data in my digital footprint.
Use this rule to remember that every single thing you do online (an 'event') leaves a mark. Before you click, type, or post, think about the 'then' part and what kind of footprint you are leaving.
The Private vs. Public Data Sorter
Does this information tell someone WHO I am or WHERE I live? If yes, it's private. If no, it's probably public.
Before sharing any information, use this sorting question. It helps you decide if a piece of data is safe to post or if it should be kept secret to protect yourself.
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Challenging
Imagine you are designing a "Positive Footprint Robot." Which set of conditional (if-then) rules would be the MOST important for the robot to follow before it posts anything?
A.IF a post is long, THEN don't post it. IF a post has a picture, THEN post it.
B.IF a post is true, helpful, and kind, THEN post it. IF a post shares private info, THEN don't post it.
C.IF a post is about me, THEN post it. IF a post is about a friend, THEN don't post it.
D.IF a post gets many likes, THEN post more like it. IF a post gets no likes, THEN delete it.
Challenging
A new photo-sharing app is popular at your school. As a "Digital Footprint Detective," what are the best three questions to investigate BEFORE you sign up to ensure the app helps you create a positive footprint?
A.1. Is the logo blue? 2. How many of my friends use it? 3. Can I get a high score?
B.1. Can I post photos of my pets? 2. Does it have funny filters? 3. Is it free?
C.1. Who can see my photos? 2. How do I report mean comments? 3. What information does the app collect about me?
D.1. Can I link it to my other accounts? 2. Does it work on my tablet? 3. How fast can I upload photos?
Challenging
The "data" in your digital footprint (like posts and comments) can be seen by a future soccer coach. Create the best two-step plan to "trace your online steps" and make sure your footprint shows you would be a good team player.
A.Step 1: Delete your account. Step 2: Create a new one.
B.Step 1: Search your username online. Step 2: Ask the coach to ignore anything negative.
C.Step 1: Ask your parents to call the coach. Step 2: Only post about soccer from now on.
D.Step 1: Review your old posts and comments for kindness and respect. Step 2: Post something new that shows you supporting a team or celebrating a friend's success.
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