Password Hygiene: Weak, Strong and Why

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Technology and Computer Science · Digital Literacy / Keyboarding
SP-DIGLIT-001 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 2
Password Hygiene: Weak, Strong and Why
Technology and Computer Science · Digital Literacy / Keyboarding · Grades 8-10 · 45 minutes
Time needed
45 minutes (one class period)
Prep
Copy the 2-page worksheet (one per student). Write the safety warning on the board.
Technology
None.
Student
independence
High. Individual work, then a class discussion.
Copies to make
One 2-page worksheet per student
Materials
Pencils, Worksheet, Whiteboard or chalkboard
Goal for today: Students will evaluate sample passwords for strength and explain safe habits such as unique
passwords, passphrases and two-step verification.
Before the bell
☐ Copy the worksheet, one per student (2 pages).
☐ Write on the board in large letters: NEVER WRITE A PASSWORD YOU REALLY USE. USE ONLY THE MADE-UP
ONES.
☐ Keep the answer key on your desk. No technology knowledge is needed.
Say this to start
Today is about keeping online accounts safe. You will look at made-up passwords and decide which are weak and
which are strong. Please do not write any password you really use, not even a close version. Everything on the
worksheet uses made-up examples, and a classmate or teacher should never see your real passwords.
Run of show
Minutes
What you do
What students do
0–5
Take attendance. Hand out the worksheet. Read the board
warning aloud and make sure students understand: no real
passwords.
Listen and settle in.
5–12
Ask students to read the passage silently.
Read and underline the habits that make
passwords strong.
12–25
Tell students to complete the password table: count
characters, circle weak or strong, and write a reason.
Count letters, numbers and symbols and
decide.
25–35
Tell students to answer questions 1–8.
Answer the multiple-choice and true/false
questions.
35–42
Tell students to write questions 9 and 10. Remind them to
use a made-up passphrase only.
Write a made-up passphrase and a polite
reply.
42–45
Read the table answers and items 1–8 from the key. Collect
worksheets and stack them.
Check their work and hand it in.

SubstitutePlans.com
Technology and Computer Science · Digital Literacy / Keyboarding
SP-DIGLIT-001 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 3
If things go wrong
• If a student starts writing a real password, tell them to cross it out and make up a different one. Do not look at
it.
• If students ask whether symbols matter, tell them length and being unique matter most. Symbols can help
but a short symbol password is still weak.
• If students joke about each other’s passwords, remind them that passwords are private and this is a made-up
exercise.
• If a student finishes early, use the early finisher list.
Early finishers
• Write three rules that a younger student could follow to keep an account safe.
• Write a short script for what to say if a stranger messages you asking for your login.
Support and challenge
• Support: Provide the passage as a checklist and let students rate only the first four passwords in the table.
• Challenge: Ask students to explain why a long passphrase of unrelated words can be stronger than a short
random-looking password.
Notes for the teacher (you fill this in)
Jot a few lines before you leave. A full Daily Sub Report is in the free Sub Survival Kit at SubstitutePlans.com.
How far the class got / what to pick up next:
Students who were especially helpful:
Anything the teacher should know: