EXPLANATION+OF+THE+LAUNCH+OR+KICKOFF

Grade Level: 6th Time Needed: 30 minutes
 * TOPIC**: Introduction to Online Safety; Student Survey & Discussion

__Materials__: Computers; Internet access; Projector for teacher computer; screen

__Explanation__: This activity will open our unit on Online Safety, allowing students to discuss their current level of online use and the types of online activities they engage in. Students will be introduced to the topics we will cover during the course of this advisory unit.

__Activities__: 1. Teacher introduces the unit of "Online Safety." Ask students to log on to the computers and navigate to the online survey.

** 2. Students complete the online survey. While students are completing the survey, teacher has his/her computer set to the Google spreadsheet associated with this survey. After results come in, teacher turns on projector and teacher and students see all students' responses. Then teacher goes to the "FORM -> Show summary of responses" on the Google page. This brings up graphs for each response with summary of all student responses.
 * Click the link here - - - > [|**SURVEY**] < - - - to complete the survey for this event. (SEE ALSO BELOW)

3. Go through the results and discuss each of the result categories: Computer use; Parental control; Social networking; Posting online; Chatting; Downloading from Internet; Other (Comments).

4. Discuss with the students why they enjoy using technology. Discuss "pros" of computer use. List them on the board or a sheet of chart paper.

5. Ask whether anyone has been hurt or knows of any negative consequences of computer use. Discuss "cons" of computer use. List these.

6. Pose the question: Should middle school students be allowed to use the Internet? Why or why not? What should be done to make it a positive experience?

7. Mention the 3 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS that will guide us during our study of Online Safety. Show the graphic for the unit and discuss.

**What should you take from the Internet? What should you leave on the Internet? How should you act online?** media type="custom" key="4664769"