Exploring the Internet

Designed for KS3 and KS4 learners this ready-to-use lesson covers Internet topology, hardware components, connections, TCP/IP, packet switching, domain names and security.

The lesson includes a fully illustrated and informative PowerPoint with over 40 slides. It starts with differentiated objectives, has a worksheet to complete as the lesson progresses and includes five activities which can be completed in class or given as homework. Notes and answers to the worksheet and activities are included.

This lesson has four sections:

• Internet infrastructure - Distributed networks, Internet backbone and exchange points, cable connections, ISPs, routers, Wi-Fi, mobile network and satellite Internet connections.

• Internet protocols - ARPANET, packet switching, TCP/IP and domain names.

• Who’s in charge of the Internet? - ICANN, IETF, censorship and fake news.

• Internet security - Malware (viruses, spam, ransomware and spyware), denial-of-service attacks and botnets, hacking and phishing.

Topics covered in the activities include undersea Internet cables, junk emails, satellite Internet developments (Starlink and OneWeb) and the interplanetary Internet.

Curriculum links detailed in the Lesson Notes:
• Computer Science GCSE
• Computing
• Design and technology

Duration: Approximately 75 minutes plus five activities.

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