Not-For-Profit - Cyber Education through Sport
Endorsed By
STEM & CTE Initiative
Multiple studies have shown that educational games can be effective in improving knowledge and understanding of various subjects, including science, math, and history. For example, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who played an educational game about genetics had a better understanding of the subject compared to those who learned through traditional methods.
Education
​​​Module 1 – Introduction to Programming and Cybersecurity
This Module is designed to teach the basics of programming—including syntax, variables, and loops—alongside essential cybersecurity fundamentals. This module aims to develop digital citizenship and secure online behavior. It covers topics such as an overview of programming languages (for example, Python, Java, and JavaScript), basic algorithms, data structures, and principles of threat detection. Students engage in gamified challenges, such as identifying phishing attempts and creating secure passwords, and they complete hands-on projects like coding simple programs and interactive cybersecurity puzzles.
Module 2 - Intermediate Software Development and Cyber Defense
Module 2 focuses on developing object-oriented programming skills and understanding core software design. This module also provides foundational knowledge of network security and system vulnerabilities. It covers topics such as data handling, version control using Git and GitHub, secure coding practices, and basic system security. Students participate in collaborative coding challenges and group projects, including simulated exercises like building virtual firewalls and solving cybersecurity puzzles.
Module 3- Advanced Cyber Operations and Development
Module 3 explores advanced programming concepts, incident response, and penetration testing, while also introducing ethical hacking and cloud security principles. The topics covered include advanced algorithms, software optimization, scalable web application development, and cyber operations strategies. Students work on project-based learning using frameworks such as React, Django, or Flask and participate in role-play simulations of cyber-attack and defense scenarios, including analyses of real-world case studies.
Module 4 - Capstone: Real-World Cyber Sports Project
Finally Module 4 enables students to integrate their programming and cybersecurity skills to tackle authentic challenges from planning through execution and presentation. In this capstone project, students develop a comprehensive software or cybersecurity solution—such as a mobile app or security tool—prepare technical documentation, and deliver a final presentation to peers, educators, or community partners.
Key Curriculum Overview
The program is characterized by engaging gamification elements that include competitive, team-based challenges and esports-style events that mirror real-world scenarios. Students gain exposure to industry-standard tools such as Python, JavaScript, Git, and cloud platforms, and they prepare for entry-level digital badges and certifications. Additionally, the curriculum integrates industry connections by offering opportunities to interact with technology professionals, explore scholarship opportunities, and uncover various career pathways.
Games are a great teacher!
Discover the Cyber Sports STEM & CTE Curriculum and jumpstart your future in technology and cybersecurity. For enrollment details, additional resources, or partnership opportunities, please contact us today!
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Gaming can provide an immersive and interactive learning experience that can help individuals engage with and retain information. Computing Research found that students who learned about ancient civilizations through a game had a better understanding of the subject compared to those who learned through traditional methods.
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Games can help individuals learn through trial and error, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This can help to deepen understanding and encourage individuals to explore different approaches to a problem.
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Gaming provides opportunities for individuals to explore different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. Cyber Sports will help to solve the Cyber Security issues found in every industry and field today.
Studies Confirm Cyber Gaming can make an impact
A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that middle school students who played an educational game about genetics had better knowledge retention and understanding of the subject compared to those who learned through traditional instruction methods. (Source: Annetta, L. A., Minogue, J., Holmes, S. Y., & Cheng, M. T. (2009). Investigating the impact of video games on high school students’ engagement and learning about genetics. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101(3), 538-547.)
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The British Journal of Educational Technology found that students who played an educational game about fractions had a better understanding of the subject compared to those who learned through traditional methods. (Source: Feng, Y., Heffernan, N. T., & Koedinger, K. R. (2009). Addressing the assessment challenge in an online fraction game with a mixture item response theory and latent class model. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(2), 201-221.)
The Journal of Educational Computing Research found that students who played an educational game about world history had a better understanding of the subject compared to those who learned through traditional methods. (Source: Kebritchi, M., Hirumi, A., & Bai, H. (2010). The effects of modern mathematics computer games on mathematics achievement and class motivation. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 42(1), 33-64.)