Title: Understanding and Managing Our Digital Footprint

Grade Level: Fourth Grade

Objective: - Students will understand the concept of a digital footprint and its impact on their online presence. - Students will learn strategies to manage and protect their digital footprint. - Students will reflect on responsible online behavior and the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint.

Materials: - Internet-connected devices (computers, tablets, or smartphones) - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Handouts or worksheets (optional)

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever heard the term “digital footprint.” Allow a few students to share their thoughts or prior knowledge. 2. Explain that a digital footprint is the trail of information left behind when we use the internet, including the websites we visit, the things we post or share online, and the comments we make. 3. Discuss the importance of being aware of our digital footprint and how it can affect our online reputation and future opportunities.

Activity 1: What’s in Your Digital Footprint? (15 minutes): 1. Divide the class into small groups or pairs. 2. Provide each group with an internet-connected device. 3. Instruct students to search for their own names online and explore the results. 4. Encourage students to discuss and share what they found with their group members. 5. Ask each group to choose one or two examples from their findings to share with the whole class. 6. Facilitate a class discussion about the different types of information that can be found online and how it contributes to their digital footprint.

Activity 2: Protecting Our Digital Footprint (20 minutes): 1. Explain to students that it is essential to protect their digital footprint to maintain privacy and security. 2. Discuss strategies for protecting their digital footprint, such as: - Using strong and unique passwords for online accounts. - Being cautious about sharing personal information online. - Adjusting privacy settings on social media platforms. - Avoiding sharing inappropriate or harmful content. 3. Create a list of these strategies on the whiteboard or chart paper. 4. Engage students in a brainstorming session to come up with additional strategies. 5. Distribute handouts or worksheets (if available) for students to write down their own strategies for protecting their digital footprint.

Activity 3: Responsible Online Behavior (15 minutes): 1. Discuss the importance of responsible online behavior and its impact on our digital footprint. 2. Ask students to share examples of responsible online behavior, such as: - Treating others with respect and kindness. - Avoiding cyberbullying or negative comments. - Citing sources when using information from the internet. - Seeking permission before sharing someone else’s content. 3. Encourage students to reflect on their own online behavior and how it aligns with responsible practices. 4. Have students create a poster or digital presentation showcasing responsible online behavior and its connection to maintaining a positive digital footprint.

Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Recap the main points discussed throughout the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing our digital footprint. 2. Allow students to ask any remaining questions or share additional thoughts. 3. Provide resources or websites where students can learn more about digital footprints and online safety. 4. Assign a follow-up activity, such as writing a short reflection on what they have learned about their digital footprint and how they plan to manage it responsibly.

Note: It is crucial to reinforce the importance of seeking parental guidance and supervision when using the internet and social media platforms.