Cyber Funfair: Creating immersive and educational experiences for teaching Cyber Physical Systems SecurityOnlineIn-Person
Delivering meaningful and inspiring cyber security education for younger audiences can often be a challenge due to limited expertise and resources. Key to any outreach activity is that it both develops a learner’s curiosity, as well as providing educational objectives. To address this need, we developed a novel learning and awareness activity that addresses the Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) Security as covered by existing knowledge frameworks. The activity is built on the Raspberry Pi platform and utilises LEGO Spike kits to showcase engaging physical impact based on the underlying cyber and network-based actions, and to capture the interest of both students and teachers alike. To evaluate the effectiveness of the activity, we used the activity as part of an outreach activity day attended by approximately 300 students aged between 12-14 from schools at a regional outreach event at a UK University. Participants of the activity were surveyed and the results showed an increase in understanding of CPS specific and wider cyber security for over 90% of respondents. Activity engagement was also well received, with no negative feedback. We report on our survey findings and discuss best practices to support other practitioners in developing hands-on interactive experiences for engaging and educational cyber security activities.