Malware and Viruses
👩🏫 Teacher’s Guide
Objective
Students will define malware and viruses, identify how they spread, and practice prevention steps like not clicking unknown links and using antivirus tools.
Teaching Notes
- Use a simple definition: malware = bad software that causes harm.
- Explain viruses as one type of malware that can spread.
- Give common causes: unsafe downloads, suspicious links, unknown attachments.
- Emphasize: tell an adult—do not try to fix serious problems alone.
🧒 Student Worksheet
Concept and Helping Material
Malware is harmful software that can damage a device or steal information. A virus is a kind of malware that can spread to other files or computers. Safe choices help prevent malware.
Computer Vocabulary and Definition
- — Bad software that can harm a device.
- — A type of malware that can spread.
- — To bring a file or app onto your device.
- — A file sent with an email or message.
- — A tool that helps find and remove malware.
Computer QA
- What is malware?
- What is a virus?
- What does download mean?
- What is an attachment?
- What is antivirus?
- True or False: Malware can slow down a computer.
- True or False: Clicking unknown links can be risky.
- How can malware get onto a device?
- Should you open attachments from strangers?
- What should you do if a device acts strange?
- What is one sign of malware?
- Can a virus spread to other files?
- Why is antivirus helpful?
- True or False: All downloads are safe.
- What is one safe rule for downloads?
- If you see a pop-up that says ‘You won!’, what should you do?
- Can malware steal information?
- What should you do before installing a new app?
- True or False: Malware is helpful software.
- What is the best first step if you think you got malware?
Computer Prtactices
- Safe or unsafe? Sort: teacher-approved download (safe), random pop-up link (unsafe).
- Malware prevention list: Write 5 rules to stay safe.
- Scenario role-play: You clicked a link by accident—what do you do next?
- Create a mini ‘antivirus’ shield drawing and label it with 3 protections.
Reflection
- What is one way to prevent malware?
- Who should you tell if you think a device has a virus?