Elementary-Guide-240x300

The Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot Program Office is launching a new course designed to keep kindergarten through sixth grade students safe on the Internet.

The program, called the Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative, will feature several interactive modules designed to excite students and give them a fun activity while teaching them to stay safe online.

The free course features different modules that progress in skill level and are designed for students in different age ranges. “Security Showdown” is an introduction to basic security practices designed for students in kindergarten through third grade. “Clean_Up” is ideally for fourth through sixth graders and allows users to take the helm of a virus removal program protecting a system from viruses, worms and Trojan horses. “DangerBots” is the final challenge, where students must put their cybercsecurity skills and knowledge to the test to defeat imminent threats in a virtual city.

“The Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative will equip educators and parents to teach students about cybersecurity at a young age,” Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot National Commissioner, said in a release from the Air Force Association. “Students are active online at increasingly younger ages, and AFA sees a need to equip them with the skills critical to their online safety. We are delighted to offer this opportunity at no cost to the schools and other organizations.”

The Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative is a component of the Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program, which is sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Foundation. Schools and organizations can request free digital downloads of the programming by visiting the Cyber Patriot Website. A physical version of the kit, which includes a DVD, printed instructor’s guide and stickers for students, is also available at no cost upon request.

[ image courtesy of Air Force Association ]