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Year 7

Internet of Things

I can explain how devices share data in the internet of things (IoT) and how this can have an impact on privacy.

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Year 7

Internet of Things

I can explain how devices share data in the internet of things (IoT) and how this can have an impact on privacy.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The internet of things (IoT) connects everyday objects to the internet, enabling them to collect and share data.
  2. Personal information is information collected about a person.
  3. Understand that connected devices can gather and share your personal information, which can impact your privacy.

Keywords

  • Internet of things (IoT) - a network of everyday devices that are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other

  • Privacy - the protection of an individual's personal information and the control over how it is used

Common misconception

The internet of things (IoT) is only about smart homes and appliances.

IoT are everyday devices that are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other. They might not collect data for the same purpose but they can collect information about how people use the devices.

Find examples of 'free' internet services that pupils might use. Discuss what information could be collected as part of their use and then ask the class to decide how companies make money from these free services.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the role of a web server in displaying a web page?
It creates the web page content.
It breaks down the web page data into packets.
Correct answer: It stores and delivers the web page data to the user's web browser.
It encrypts the web page data for secure transmission.
Q2.
Which of the following statements about HTTP is true?
HTTP is a secure protocol that encrypts data.
HTTP is used to send email messages.
Correct answer: HTTP defines the rules for communication between web browsers and web servers.
HTTP is not a commonly used protocol on the internet.
Q3.
What is a data packet when talking about networks?
a complete web page
Correct answer: a small segment of data that is part of a larger message
a set of rules for sending and receiving data
an error message sent across the internet
Q4.
What is the purpose of a packet header?
to store the main content of the data being transmitted
Correct answer: to provide information about the packet, such as source and destination address
to encrypt the data in the packet
to prevent data loss during transmission
Q5.
What is the main reason why data is broken down into packets before being sent over the internet?
to make the data travel faster
Correct answer: to make it easier to transmit data in smaller chunks
to prevent attackers from intercepting the data
to reduce the cost of data transmission
Q6.
Which of the following is a benefit of using packets to transmit data?
Correct answer: Packets can take different routes, improving the reliability of transmission.
Packets are always delivered in the correct order.
Packets prevent any data loss during transmission.
Packets are only used for small amounts of data.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following best describes the internet of things (IoT)?
a collection of websites connected through hyperlinks
Correct answer: a network of connected devices, such as smart speakers and lights
a type of programming language used to create websites
a network that only connects smartphones and computers
Q2.
Which of these are examples of an IoT device?
Correct answer: Smart thermostat
Correct answer: Smart lock
Regular refrigerator
Correct answer: Smart speaker
Q3.
Why may a smart speaker always have its microphone turned on?
Correct answer: It needs to detect your voice commands.
The smart speaker is recording all your conversations.
It's constantly sending data to the internet.
The smart speaker is using the microphone to measure the temperature.
Q4.
Many people use fitness trackers or smart watches that connect to the internet. What kind of data might these devices collect and share?
websites you visit
details about your computer's hardware
videos and audio recordings
Correct answer: your activity levels and health information
Q5.
How can IoT devices sometimes raise privacy concerns?
The devices can make it easier for hackers to access your home network.
Correct answer: IoT devices may collect or share data about you without you realising.
The devices and systems can be difficult to set up and use.
They use a lot of energy, which can increase your electricity bill.
Q6.
Which of these are a potential benefit of the IoT?
Correct answer: improved home security
Correct answer: increased energy efficiency
reduced need for human interaction
Correct answer: greater convenience in daily life