Guardians of the Grid
In this unit, students are brought in as security engineers by GRID Power, a power production facility that has just experienced a break-in. To help GRID secure its facility, students investigate how electronic entry systems work, how they can be compromised, and what it takes to secure them. Students explore the essential principles of Trusted and Assured Microelectronics (T&AM) through hands-on, project-based learning. With a focus on cybersecurity, inductive reasoning, and microcontroller programming, students investigate how to secure and validate microelectronics devices, critical in preventing security vulnerabilities in a digital world. The unit culminates with a final project in which students design and build a secure door lock system, using inputs and outputs on the micro:bit to meet specific security criteria. Reflection activities encourage students to connect their learning to real-world cybersecurity applications, emphasizing the critical role of trusted microelectronics in modern technology systems.
Core Content: circuitry, Boolean logic, cybersecurity, microcontrollers, programming, data analysis, Trusted and Assured Microelectronics (T&AM), engineering design
Grade Level: 9-12
ME Connection: Microcontrollers, like the one on the micro:bit, serve as the central processing unit in trusted microelectronic systems, managing inputs, outputs, and programmed logic to ensure secure and reliable device operation.
Engineering Design Project: Design and build a secure door lock system, using inputs and outputs on the Micro:Bit to meet specific security criteria.