7th Grade Viruses Lesson Plan (Computer)

Topic: Computer viruses

Objectives & Outcomes:

• Students will understand what computer viruses are and how they are created and transmitted.

Materials

• Computer with internet access
• Examples of computer viruses (optional)

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of computer viruses before.
• Ask them to give some examples of things that can infect and harm computers.
• After gathering some ideas, explain that computer viruses are programs designed to harm computers by deleting files, damaging hardware, or stealing personal information.

Direct Instruction

• Review the structure of a computer virus, including its code and how it spreads. Show students an example of a virus to demonstrate the different parts and how it works.
• Discuss the different ways that viruses can be transmitted, including via email, USB drives, and downloading infected files.
• Outline the steps for detecting and removing viruses, including scanning with antivirus software and restoring from back up.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to scan a computer with antivirus software, identifying any viruses and taking the appropriate steps to remove them.
• For more advanced students, have them download and analyze a virus specimen using a virus scanning tool such as VirusTotal.

Independent Practice

• Have students work in groups to create a computer virus, either using a virus creation kit or by writing their own code.
• Have each group test their virus and present their findings to the class.

Closure

• Review the main characteristics of computer viruses and the ways that they can be detected and removed.
• Ask students to share any new learnings or insights about computer viruses.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice activity and provide feedback on their ability to detect and remove viruses.
• Collect and review the documents that students created during the independent practice activity.