Teach Grade 6 computer science students how to recognize malware, identify unsafe downloads, and make safer decisions online with this focused cybersecurity worksheet. Students explore how harmful software can reach a computer, affect files and personal information, and interfere with normal device activities while practicing practical ways to reduce digital risks.

From Recognizing Threats to Making Safer Choices

Students examine the difference between malware and a virus, identify risks associated with unfamiliar websites and unexpected email attachments, and consider why a familiar file name does not guarantee safety. They also explore how security software can detect or block some harmful programs and why operating system and application updates help fix security weaknesses.

Rather than focusing only on definitions, the resource connects cybersecurity vocabulary to realistic decisions students may encounter when downloading a file for a school project or responding to an unexpected message. Students are encouraged to recognize warning signs, pause when a download warning appears, and seek help from a trusted adult or technology support person.

What Students Practise

• Dialogue and matching activity: Reinforce malware terminology and connections between key cybersecurity concepts.
• Cloze passage: Complete a passage using context clues and essential terms such as malware, virus, download, security software, protection, attachment, and device.
• Labeled diagram: Support visual exploration of malware and unsafe downloading concepts.
• Reading comprehension: Read “Staying Safe from Malware,” a three-paragraph informational passage explaining how malware spreads, how safe downloading habits reduce risks, and why layered protection matters.
• Multiple-choice questions: Apply knowledge to download decisions, suspicious attachments, security warnings, software updates, and appropriate responses to unusual device behaviour.
• True-or-false statements: Evaluate common claims about malware, familiar file names, security software, and software updates.
• Short-answer questions: Explain malware entry points, trusted download sources, and the limits of relying on a single security tool.
• Extended response: Develop a safe action plan for an unfamiliar website displaying a download warning, including what to do after opening a suspicious file.

What's Included

• Printable Grade 6 computer science worksheet covering malware and unsafe downloads.
• Multiple activity and question formats combining vocabulary practice, reading, comprehension, and written application.
• A separate teacher guide PDF containing learning objectives, teaching tips, discussion questions, and common mistakes.

Practical Classroom Applications

Use this malware awareness worksheet during a cybersecurity or digital safety lesson, as independent classwork, for guided reading and discussion, or as a review of safe online behaviour. The reading passage provides a foundation for discussing suspicious downloads, while the scenario-based questions encourage students to explain what they should do instead of ignoring warnings or opening unfamiliar files.

The extended-response task also creates an opportunity to assess whether students can connect malware risks with sensible protective actions. The separate teacher guide supports lesson preparation and helps teachers anticipate common misconceptions about security tools and safe downloading.

Curriculum information: This resource is listed under General rather than a named curriculum standard. It is designed for Grade 6 Computer Science instruction focused on cybersecurity awareness and responsible technology use.