K-12 Educators

Cyber Security Project-based Learning

Winners will be selected for every state. Depending upon which state you live in, there may be additional prizes.

Winners of the statewide competitions will be finalists in the national contest for the prizes articulated in this contest.

Video/Podcast winning entries will be selected based on:

• Impact of Content
• Subject Knowledge
• Information
• Organization
• Originality
• Technical
• Audio
• Voice
• Conclusion

Poster winning entries will be selected based on:

• Impact of Content
• Subject Knowledge
• Information
• Organization
• Originality 

Impact of Content
Message is clear and engaging with an emotional and/or thought-provoking message. Audience will want to take action. Top of Page

Subject Knowledge
Subject knowledge is evident throughout. All information is clear, appropriate and correct.
Top of Page

Information
Information is relevant and timely. Facts and concepts are clear. Audience will get a clear message. Top of Page

Organization
The sequence is logical and ideas flow easily. Top of Page

Originality
Significant evidence of originality and creation. The majority of the content and many of the ideas are fresh, original and creative. All resources are cited.
Top of Page

Technical
No evidence of any technical problems. Sound tracks are in sync. Top of Page

Audio
Microphones are positioned optimally to ensure that important sounds and dialogue are captured. Every attempt to anticipate and filter out unwanted ambient noise in the recording. Top of Page

Voice
Voice is clear, concise and diction is excellent. No grammatical mistakes. Volume is appropriate. Top of Page

Conclusion
Message is clear at the end. Higher order thinking skills were used. Top of Page

Entrants will be divided by state, with each state selecting its top three winners for each category for each grade group (prizes at this level will be at the discretion of each state). These selections will then be sent on to compete in the national competition.

The top selections from each state will each receive a certificate and compete for the top three (gold, silver, bronze) prizes. Prizes will be awarded to the winners in each category (posters and videos/podcasts) in each of the three age groups (K-5, 6-8, 9-12).

• Gold prize winners will receive $500
• Silver prize winners will receive $250
• Bronze prize winners will receive $100

PLEASE NOTE:

For individual submissions: Prizes paid to individuals are subject to federal and state taxes. It is the responsibility of winners to claim all income and pay any taxes due.

For class submissions: Prizes awarded to class submissions will be paid to the school.

Internet security and safety crosses a broad range of topics. There are no predetermined topics that must be covered. Participants are encouraged to learn more about the issues, topics, and risks young people face on the Internet before starting the creative process. More information on these topics can be found at www.staysafeonline.org and through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

• Ideas for topics include, but are not limited, to:
• Phishing
• Botnets
• Computer maintenance
• Cybersafety tips: how to protect yourself online, including on social networking sites
• Cyberbullying
• Cyber ethics
• Encrypting files/e-mails
• Global cybercrime: includes identity theft, extortion, denial of service, and web defacement
• Guidelines or suggestions for effective passwords
• Malicious code (worms and viruses)
• Physical security
• Safeguarding data: confidentiality, privacy, and identity theft
• Security of wireless/mobile devices
• Security risks of Peer 2 Peer file-sharing applications
• Security updates, antivirus software, and firewalls
• Spyware