Digital Footprint Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Your Digital Footprint
Middle School • Digital Citizenship
Duration
45-60 Minutes
Why This Matters
In today's interconnected world, understanding your digital footprint is essential for responsible online behavior. This lesson empowers students to make informed decisions about what they share online, protecting their future selves and promoting positive digital citizenship.
Preparation
Review the Digital Footprint Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
Ensure access to a projector for the Digital Footprint Slide Deck.
Print copies of the My Digital Footprint Worksheet for each student.
Prepare writing materials (pens, pencils).
Materials
Digital Footprint Slide Deck
Warm-Up Activity Handout
Discussion Guide
Digital Footprint Worksheet
Cool-Down Reflection Sheet
Instruction Guide
10m
Warm-Up: What's Your Mark?
Begin with the Warm-Up Activity. Ask students to silently reflect on the questions posed. Facilitate a brief class discussion on their initial thoughts about leaving traces behind.
15m
Introduction to Digital Footprint
Present Slide Deck (slides 1-4). Use the Teacher Script to define a digital footprint and provide examples. Encourage participation through questions and relatable scenarios.
10m
Exploring Types of Digital Footprints
Continue with Slide Deck (slides 5-7). Discuss active vs. passive footprints using examples relevant to middle schoolers (social media, gaming, etc.). Use prompts from the Discussion Questions guide.
10m
Long-Term Impact
Transition to Slide Deck (slides 8-10). Explain the potential long-term impacts (admissions, jobs, reputation). Facilitate small group discussion on future implications.
15m
My Digital Footprint Worksheet
Distribute the Worksheet. Students complete it individually, reflecting on their own online habits. Circulate to provide support.
5m
Cool-Down Reflection
Conclude with the "One Word Summary" reflection. Ask students to share their word and review main lesson points.
Objective: Students will define digital footprints, identify examples, and understand long-term impacts of online activity.
Digital Footprint Presentation Slides What's Your Digital Footprint?
Everywhere you go online, you leave a trace. What do you think that means?
Digital Citizenship
Defining Your Footprint
Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind by using the internet.
"Just like footprints in the sand, these traces show where you've been and what you've done."
It includes:
Websites you visit
Emails you send
Social media posts
Online purchases
How is it Created?
Every time you interact with the digital world, you are adding to your footprint.
Post a photo
Like a post
Download an app
Visit a site
Instantly!
It's happening constantly, even when you aren't thinking about it.
Critical Concept
Is it Permanent?
Once something is online, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove completely.
Think before you click, post, or share!
Active vs. Passive Footprints
Active
Information you intentionally share.
Social Media posts
Sending emails
Filling out forms
Passive
Information collected without your direct action.
Tracking cookies
Browsing history
Location data
Active Examples
Sharing a picture on Instagram
Commenting on a video
Creating a TikTok
Gaming chat features
Passive Examples
Websites that "remember" what you looked at after you close the tab.
Ads that pop up for things you just searched for on Google.
Your phone automatically saving your location history.
Why Does It Matter?
Colleges
Admissions officers often check social media to learn about your character.
Jobs
Employers research candidates online. Your digital past is your first resume.
Reputation
What you post shapes how friends, family, and the world see you.
You are in control!
Think before you post.
Use strong privacy settings.
Be mindful of what you share.
Google yourself periodically.
Own Your Story
A positive digital footprint is a powerful asset for your future.
Be a Smart Digital Citizen!
Your digital footprint is a reflection of you.
Make sure it tells a positive story!
What is your "One Word" takeaway?
What's Your Mark Warm-Up Handout Warm-Up Activity
Digital Citizenship Unit
Name:
Date:
What's Your Mark?
Take a moment to think about your daily life. Every step you take, every interaction you have, leaves some kind of mark. Reflect on the questions below.
1. What are some examples of marks or traces you leave behind in the real world? (e.g., footprints in the mud, a note you wrote, a mess in your room)
2. What kind of information might someone learn about you from these physical traces?
3. Do you think you leave similar traces when you go online? What might those look like?
Your Digital Footprint Teacher Script Guide Teacher Resource
Your Digital Footprint Script
10 MIN
Warm-Up: What's Your Mark?
"Good morning/afternoon everyone! Let's start with a quick warm-up. I want you to silently reflect on the questions on the board or your handout, 'What's Your Mark?'. Think about the traces you leave behind in the real world and what someone might learn about you from them. Then, consider if you leave similar traces online."
Allow students a few minutes to reflect and write. Circulate to ensure engagement.
"Now, let's share some of our thoughts. Who would like to share an example of a 'mark' they leave in the real world?" (Call on 2-3 students)
"Great examples! What about online? Do you think you leave similar 'marks' when you use the internet? What might those look like?" (Encourage discussion, guiding towards online data.)
15 MIN
Introduction to Digital Footprint
Display Slides 1 & 2
"Excellent thinking, everyone. Today, we're going to dive into exactly what those online 'marks' are. Just like you leave footprints when you walk in the sand, every time you go online, you leave a trail of data. This is your digital footprint. It's all the information about you that exists on the internet—things you posted and things collected without you realizing it."
Display Slide 3 & 4
"Every time you post a photo, like a comment, or research a project, you're adding to it. And here's the catch: Is it permanent? Once it's online, it's very difficult to remove. Think before you click!"
10 MIN
Active vs. Passive
Display Slides 5, 6, & 7
"An active footprint is what you share intentionally—like that Instagram pet photo or a YouTube comment. A passive footprint is what's collected without you acting—like a website 'remembering' what you looked at or your phone saving your location. It happens in the background."
10 MIN
Long-Term Impact
Display Slides 8 & 9
"This matters for your future. Colleges and employers often look at your online presence. It shapes your reputation—how the world sees you. But you're in control! Use privacy settings, think before you post, and search yourself once in a while to see what's out there."
5 MIN
Conclusion
Display Slide 10
"Let's wrap up. What's one word that summarizes your takeaway? It could be a feeling or a new plan." (Collect responses) "Remember, your footprint is your story. Make it a good one!"
Digital Footprint Discussion Questions Guide Class Discussion Guide
Topic: Your Digital Footprint
Middle School
Session
1
Introduction to Digital Footprints
Q1: What was something you heard today about digital footprints that surprised you?
Q2: Can you think of a situation where someone's digital footprint might have helped them (e.g., getting into college, a job)? What about a situation where it might have hurt them?
2
Active vs. Passive
Q3: When you use an app or visit a website, how do you know if you are creating an active or passive digital footprint? Is one more impactful than the other? Why?
Q4: Can you think of an app or website you use regularly? What kind of active and passive digital footprints might you be creating there?
3
Long-Term Impact & Management
Q5: Why is it important to think about your digital footprint when you are still in middle school, even if college or jobs seem far away?
Q6: What are some small changes you could make starting today to manage your digital footprint more responsibly?
My Digital Footprint Worksheet My Digital Footprint
Reflection Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Part 1: My Online Habits
1. List 3-5 online activities you do regularly.
2. For two of the activities above, describe one example of an active digital footprint you create.
Activity A:
Activity B:
3. For the same two activities, describe one example of a passive digital footprint created about you.
Activity A:
Activity B:
Part 2: Reflecting on My Footprint
1. Thinking about your current online presence, what kind of message do you think your digital footprint sends about you? Is it accurate?
2. Imagine you are applying for your dream high school or program. What is one thing you might want to remove or change in your digital footprint today to make a better impression?
3. What is one new habit you will try to adopt to be a more responsible digital citizen?
Digital Footprint Cool-Down Reflection Ticket Cool-Down Reflection
One Word Summary
Think about everything we discussed today about your digital footprint. In the space below, write ONE WORD that summarizes your biggest takeaway from this lesson.
My One Word:
Explain Your Word
If you have time, briefly explain why you chose this word.
Name:
Date:
Friendship Recipe Lesson Plan Teacher Guide The Friendship Recipe
1st Grade • Social-Emotional Learning
Time
20 MIN
Why This Matters
Understanding what makes a good friend helps students build positive relationships, resolve conflicts, and create a supportive and inclusive classroom community.
Lesson Prep
Review Friendship Slides for smooth transitions.
Print and cut out cards for the Sorting Game.
Print 'What a Friend Looks Like' worksheets.
Prepare chart paper and markers for ingredients list.
Materials
Friendship Slide Deck
Good Friend Sorting Game
Friend Activity Worksheet
Chart Paper & Markers
Cooking Up Friendship
1. Welcome Circle
5 MIN
Gather students in a circle. Ask: "What does it mean to be a friend?" (Allow a few responses). Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to discover 'The Friendship Recipe' – all the special ingredients that make us great friends!" Slide 1
2. Story and Chat
7 MIN
Use Slides 2-4 to guide discussion. Ask: "What did the friends in the story do to show they cared?" "Why is sharing important?" Write student responses on chart paper as "Friendship Ingredients" (Kindness, Sharing, Helping). Slides 2-4
3. Art & Game
6 MIN
Play the Sorting Game: "Is this a Good Friend action?" Distribute worksheets. "Draw or write about what a good friend looks like and does." Circulate and encourage.
4. Closing Circle
2 MIN
Gather back with worksheets. Ask a few students to share one quality. Reiterate: "Kindness, sharing, and helping are the best ingredients!" Slide 5
Objective: Identify and name at least 3 qualities of a good friend.
Friendship Slides Presentation Deck Welcome to 'The Friendship Recipe'!
What does it mean to be a good friend? 🤔
Our Friendship Recipe Book!
Every good recipe needs special ingredients.
What ingredients do we need for friendship?
Let's start cooking!
Ingredient 1
A Dash of Kindness!
Being nice with our words and actions.
Smiles
Nice Words
How can you be kind to a friend today?
Ingredient 2
A Spoonful of Sharing!
Sharing our toys, our snacks, and even our ideas!
Why is sharing important?
Toys
Snacks
Ideas
Love
Ingredient 3
A Heap of Helping!
Helping friends when they need it.
"How can you help a friend today?"
Our Friendship Recipe
is Complete!
Kindness
Sharing
Helping
Amazing Friends
Let's all be great friends!
Good Friend Sorting Game Cards Good Friend Sorting Game
Friend or Not a Friend?
Instructions:
Cut out the cards below along the dotted lines.
Read each action aloud.
Decide if the action shows a 'Good Friend' or 'Not a Good Friend' .
Sort the cards into two piles!
Shares their toys during playtime.
Calls someone a mean name.
Helps a friend pick up dropped pencils.
Doesn't let anyone else play.
Gives a compliment to a classmate.
Ignores a friend who is sad.
Invites a new student to play.
Pushes someone on the playground.
Listens when a friend is talking.
Takes a toy without asking.
Says 'thank you' when someone shares.
Offers a hug or a high-five to a friend.
Teacher Note: Use the areas below or separate paper for sorting.
What a Friend Looks Like Worksheet Activity What a Friend Looks Like
My Friendship Recipe
Name:
Date:
1. Draw a Good Friend!
What does a good friend look like? Draw them doing something kind below.
2. A Good Friend...
Complete the sentences about your friendship recipe!
A good friend shows KINDNESS by:
A good friend SHARES their:
A good friend HELPS when: