A cyber-aware, cyber-secure, cyber-prepared citizenry: Learning in Place in the Heartland
Abstract
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASETechnological advances continue to outpace educational opportunities and outcom es. Further, as technology becomes accessible to younger age groups, the opportunities for cybersecurity related issues increase. Th e utilization of malware, phishing, network security challenges, and other cyber-related issues of the 21st century must be embedded into the curriculum of students, and with a reach to include a cyber-literate, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S TEM) literate citizenry. In an effort to address such challenges, this project generates lesson plans that are hands-on, minds-on, a ge appropriate, and engaging via our NE STEM 4U program. The NE STEM 4U program utilize theoretical frameworks that rely upon best p edagogical practices that facilitate scaffolded learning, beginning at the middle school level. This project will generate novel cyb er-related lesson plans with characters embedded for relatability and age-appropriate and relevant hooks for learners. The infrastru cture of the NE STEM 4U program will begin in the Heartland as a seedling, to then ultimately plant a forest of outreach and engagem ent opportunities across the country for military personnel, their families, and all citizens. Specifically, this intervention is de signed to utilize our existing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training program, NE STEM 4U (which includes students in grade levels 5-8, with outreach led by undergraduate student cohorts) and expand it to include Cybersecurity lessons to support a cyber-aware, cyber-secure, and cyber-prepared citizenry (youth, and their families). The resultant outcomes will provide cybersecurity content via hands-on programming twice weekly to youth throughout the school year, through an established, data-driven enrichment program. Furthermore, we will deliver a series of illustrated cartoons (via short videos and via a lesson plan booklet a vailable in web-based and print format) to make the cybersecurity information relatable, age-appropriate, and impactful. The outreac h to youth will take place in schools with high percentages of students of low-socioeconomic status (as evidenced by 70% and above s tudents on free- or reduced-lunch, and minority majority schools). The results of the project will cultivate a cyber-aware, cyber-se cure, cyber-prepared youth, and their families. Further, this project will lead to an expanded Cyber-STEM literate citizenry. Furthe r, through the incorporation of undergraduates in this program, it will raise awareness of DoD career fields and capabilities as the y make decisions for workforce entry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112722
Entities
People
- Christine Cutucache
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln