JSS 2 · Ages 12–13 Year 8

🎨 Digital Tools &
Block Coding

Welcome to JSS2! This year you'll level up your digital skills with advanced internet use, learn to think like a programmer with Scratch block coding, discover digital design with Canva, and pitch your first mini-business idea. Let's build the future together!

3
Terms
15
Modules
30
Weeks
5
Projects
📊 My Progress:
0%

Term 1: Advanced Internet & Digital Literacy

Students go beyond basic browsing to develop smart research skills, understand online risks like cyberbullying, and build awareness of their digital footprint and social media responsibility.

Advanced web research Evaluate online sources Understand cyberbullying Manage digital identity Use cloud tools
1

Advanced Internet Research & Fact-Checking

Finding reliable information and evaluating online sources

Advanced Google Search Techniques

Most people only use basic Google searches. Here are power techniques to find exactly what you need:

  • "Exact phrase" – Put words in quotes to search for an exact phrase: "Zeeqtech Academy Nigeria"
  • site: – Search within a specific site: site:bbc.com Nigeria
  • filetype: – Find specific file types: filetype:pdf Nigeria education report
  • -word – Exclude a word: python programming -snake
  • OR – Search for either term: laptop OR desktop computer

How to Evaluate Online Sources (SIFT Method)

  • S – Stop: Pause before sharing or believing content
  • I – Investigate the source: Who wrote it? Are they an expert?
  • F – Find better coverage: Search for the same story elsewhere
  • T – Trace claims: Go back to the original source of the claim
🔍 Reliable Source Types:
✅ .gov (Government), .edu (Education), .org (Organisations) — generally trustworthy
✅ Established news sites: BBC, Reuters, NAN (News Agency of Nigeria)
⚠️ Social media posts, anonymous blogs — verify before trusting!

What is Misinformation / Fake News?

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information. Fake news is misinformation deliberately created to deceive. Always ask: Who wrote this? When? Why? Is there evidence? What do other sources say?

🔍 Fact-Check Challenge!
Your tutor will give you 3 "news headlines." Your job is to:
  • Search for each headline using at least 2 different search techniques
  • Find 2 sources that confirm or deny each headline
  • Decide: TRUE, FALSE, or UNCERTAIN — explain why
  • Present your findings to the class

Research Task: Use the site: operator to find 3 articles about tech startups from a Nigerian news site of your choice.

Q1. To search for an exact phrase in Google, you should:

✅ Putting a phrase in "quotation marks" tells Google to search for that exact sequence of words.

Q2. Which type of website is generally MOST reliable for factual information?

.gov (government) and .edu (educational) websites are generally the most reliable sources for factual information.

Q3. What does "misinformation" mean?

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information — it may be spread by mistake or deliberately to deceive people.

2

Cyberbullying, Online Safety & Social Media

Staying safe and responsible on social media platforms

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices — phones, computers, and tablets. It can happen through SMS, social media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, WhatsApp), forums, and gaming platforms.

  • Types: Sending mean messages, spreading rumours online, sharing embarrassing photos/videos without permission, excluding someone online
  • Impact: Can cause anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
  • What to do: Don't retaliate, save evidence (screenshots), block the bully, tell a trusted adult, report to the platform

Social Media Responsibility

  • Think before you post — "Would I be OK if my mum saw this?"
  • Your social media profile reflects your character and can affect future opportunities
  • Privacy settings — set accounts to private, only accept people you know
  • Minimum age for most platforms is 13+ (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter)
  • Never meet online friends in person without a parent or guardian
📱 Screen Time Balance: The World Health Organization recommends teenagers limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day (outside of schoolwork). Balance digital time with physical activity, reading, and face-to-face social interaction!

Q1. What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that happens through digital devices — sending mean messages, spreading rumours, or sharing embarrassing content online.

Q2. If you are being cyberbullied, what should you NOT do?

✅ You should NOT retaliate — responding with more mean messages usually makes things worse. Save evidence, block the bully, and tell a trusted adult instead.

3

Cloud Computing & Collaboration Tools

Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and working in the cloud

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of your computer's hard drive. The "cloud" is just a network of powerful servers you access via the internet.

Benefits of Cloud Storage

  • Access files from any device, anywhere
  • Never lose files if your computer breaks or is stolen
  • Share and collaborate on documents with others in real time
  • Free storage available (Google Drive: 15GB, OneDrive: 5GB)

Google Workspace for Students

  • Google Drive – Store and organize all your files online
  • Google Docs – Word processing, collaborative editing
  • Google Sheets – Spreadsheets with sharing
  • Google Slides – Presentations you can share a link to
  • Google Forms – Create surveys and quizzes
  • Google Meet – Video calling for online classes
☁️ Fun Fact: Google Drive has over 2 billion users! When you submit your homework via Google Docs, your file is stored in Google's data centres — physical buildings with thousands of servers cooling 24/7. There are Google data centres in Africa too!

Q1. What is cloud computing?

✅ Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of on your device's storage. Files stay in "the cloud" — internet servers.

Q2. Which Google Workspace tool is used to create presentations?

Google Slides is the Google Workspace tool for creating presentations — similar to Microsoft PowerPoint.

Term 2: Scratch Programming & Coding Logic

Students learn to think computationally and write their first programs using Scratch — a visual block-based programming language. No prior experience needed. By the end, students will have built their own game!

Understand algorithms Use loops & conditions Create Scratch animations Build a simple game Debug programs
6

What is Programming? Algorithms & Logic

The brain before the code — how computers think

What is Programming?

Programming (coding) is the process of writing instructions for a computer to follow. These instructions are written in a programming language — a special language computers understand. Programmers build apps, websites, games, and systems that power our modern world.

What is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. Every program is based on an algorithm. Think of a recipe — it's an algorithm for cooking a meal!

🍳 Algorithm Example — Making Jollof Rice:
1. Gather ingredients (tomatoes, rice, oil, onions, seasoning)
2. Blend tomatoes and peppers
3. Fry onions in oil
4. Add blended tomatoes, cook until thick
5. Add rice and water, cover and cook
6. Serve when rice is done
This is exactly how algorithms work in programming!

Key Programming Concepts

  • Sequence – Instructions run in order, one after another
  • Selection – Making decisions (IF something happens, THEN do this)
  • Repetition (Loops) – Repeating actions (do this 10 times; keep doing this WHILE...)
  • Variables – Containers that store information (like a labelled box)
  • Events – Things that trigger the program (when clicked, when key pressed)

What is Scratch?

Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) is a free visual programming language created by MIT. Instead of typing code, you drag and connect colourful blocks. It's the most popular way to learn programming for beginners worldwide!

🧩 Unplugged Activity: Human Algorithm!
Without computers, write a step-by-step algorithm for ONE of these tasks:
  • How to cross a road safely
  • How to send a WhatsApp message
  • How to log into your school portal
Be VERY specific — pretend you're writing instructions for a robot that understands only exact commands. Share with a partner and test their algorithm!

Next: Create a free Scratch account at scratch.mit.edu and explore the interface.

Q1. What is an algorithm?

✅ An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem — like a recipe for code!

Q2. In programming, what is a LOOP used for?

✅ A loop is used to repeat instructions multiple times. Instead of writing "move 10 steps" 100 times, you write it once inside a loop!

Q3. In Scratch, what is a "sprite"?

✅ A sprite in Scratch is a character or object — like a cat, car, or person — that you write code for to make it move, talk, and interact.

7

Scratch: Motion, Looks & Sequences

Making sprites move, animate, and speak

Your First Scratch Program

In Scratch, every program starts with an Event block (what triggers the program). Blocks snap together like puzzle pieces to create sequences of actions.

Block Categories in Scratch

  • When 🏳 clickedEvents: Start your program
  • Move (10) stepsMotion: Move the sprite
  • Turn ↻ (15) degreesMotion: Rotate the sprite
  • Say [Hello] for (2) secsLooks: Display a speech bubble
  • Play sound [Meow]Sound: Play audio
  • Wait (1) secondsControl: Pause before next action
  • Repeat (10)Control: Loop (repeat)

Building a Simple Animation

Here is a simple Scratch program that makes a cat walk and say hello:

📋 Scratch Blocks (drag these in order):

When 🏳 clicked
Repeat (5)
   Move (10) steps
   Next costume
   Wait (0.3) seconds
Say [Hello! I am a Zeeqtech coder! 🚀] for (3) secs
💡 Key Insight: The Repeat block is a LOOP. Instead of writing "Move 10 steps" five separate times, we put it inside a Repeat(5) block. This is one of the most powerful concepts in all of programming!
🐱 Scratch Project: Animated Greeting Card
Create a Scratch project where:
  • A sprite walks across the screen when the green flag is clicked
  • The sprite says your name and says "Welcome to Zeeqtech Academy!"
  • A background of your choice is set
  • A sound plays when the sprite finishes moving
  • Use at least ONE repeat (loop) block

Share your Scratch project link with your tutor!

Q1. In Scratch, which block do you use to make a sprite move forward?

✅ The "Move (10) steps" block in Scratch's Motion category makes a sprite move forward by a number of steps.

Q2. What does the "When 🏳 clicked" block in Scratch do?

✅ The "When 🏳 clicked" block is an Event block — it starts your program running when the green flag button is clicked.

8

Scratch: Conditions, Variables & Building a Game

If/Else decisions, score tracking, and complete game project

Conditions – Making Decisions

The If/Then/Else block allows your program to make decisions:

IF touching [wall]? THEN
   Say [Ouch! I hit a wall!]
ELSE
   Move (10) steps

Variables – Storing Information

A variable is a named container that stores a value. In a game, you might have a "Score" variable that increases each time the player catches something.

  • Create variables: Go to Variables → Make a Variable → type a name
  • Change variable: Change [Score] by (1)
  • Set variable: Set [Score] to (0)

Building a Complete Game

With sequences, loops, conditions, and variables, you can now build a complete game! Here's the structure of a simple "Catch the Star" game:

  • A star sprite moves randomly across the screen
  • A catching sprite follows the mouse pointer
  • IF the catcher touches the star → increase Score by 1, move star to new position
  • A timer counts down — game ends when timer reaches 0
  • Display final score
🎮 Major Project: Build Your Own Scratch Game!
Create a Scratch game with the following requirements:
  • At least 2 sprites with programmed movement
  • A Score variable that changes during gameplay
  • At least one IF/THEN condition
  • A "Game Over" message
  • Background music or sound effects
  • A start screen with instructions

🏆 Game Showcase: At the end of term, students will play each other's games and vote for their favourites in categories: Most Fun, Most Creative, Best Graphics!

Q1. In Scratch, what is a variable used for?

✅ A variable stores and tracks a value that can change — perfect for keeping score, counting lives, or storing a player's name!

Q2. What does an IF/THEN block in Scratch do?

✅ An IF/THEN block checks a condition (is it true?) and runs different code depending on the answer. This is how programs make decisions!

Term 3: Digital Design, Media & Entrepreneurship

Students master digital graphic design with Canva, learn about content creation and digital media, and apply everything to developing their first mini business concept with a proper pitch presentation.

Design flyers & graphics Create digital content Develop a business idea Build a pitch presentation Present to an audience
11

Graphic Design with Canva

Creating professional designs for real purposes

Advanced Canva Design

Canva (canva.com) is a professional-grade design tool used by businesses, NGOs, and content creators worldwide. At JSS2, you'll go beyond basic posters to create comprehensive design projects.

Key Design Principles (The 4 C's)

  • Contrast – Make important elements stand out (dark text on light background)
  • Consistency – Use the same fonts, colours, and style throughout
  • Clarity – Keep it simple — the message should be immediately obvious
  • Composition – How elements are arranged. Use the Rule of Thirds!

What Can You Create with Canva?

  • Business flyers and posters
  • Social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X)
  • Presentation slides (like PowerPoint)
  • Logo designs and brand identities
  • Certificates, CVs, and professional documents
  • Infographics and data visualizations
💼 Career Connection: Graphic designers in Nigeria earn ₦50,000–₦300,000+ per month. Social media managers who understand design can earn even more! Canva skills are directly marketable even for secondary school students.
🎨 Canva Design Challenge!
Create a complete social media "brand kit" for a fictional business of your choice. Include:
  • A simple logo (use Canva's logo maker)
  • An Instagram post announcing the business opening
  • A promotional flyer with a product/service
  • Consistent colours and fonts across all 3 designs

Judging criteria: Visual appeal, consistency, clarity of message, professionalism. Best designs will be printed and displayed in the school!

🚀 JSS2 Entrepreneurship Track: Business Ideation

In JSS2, you move from problem identification (JSS1) to business ideation — turning your problem observations into real business concepts. By the end of this year, you'll pitch your first proper tech business idea with a designed presentation.

Understand business models Target customers Design a solution Build a pitch deck Present to judges

💡 Term 3 – Mini Business Pitch Challenge

Using everything you've learned this year (digital tools + Scratch thinking + Canva design), create and pitch a mini tech business idea. Your pitch should show that you understand the problem, who suffers from it, and how YOUR tech solution fixes it.

01

The Problem

Describe a specific problem people in Nigeria face. How many people are affected? How badly? Why does it exist?

02

Your Solution

Describe your tech solution — is it a mobile app? A website? An automated service? What does it do exactly?

03

Target Customers

Who will use your solution? Age? Location? How will you reach them? Why would they choose your solution?

04

The Money

How will your business earn money? Subscription fees? Ads? Commission? One-time purchase? (This is called a "revenue model")

📊 Pitch Deck Structure (5 Slides)

Create your pitch deck using Google Slides or Canva. Each slide should be clean, visual, and easy to read. Use the structure below:

S1

Cover Slide

Business name, your name, tagline (one sentence describing what you do)

S2

The Problem

What problem exists? Show stats or examples. Make the audience feel the pain!

S3

Your Solution

How does your tech product solve the problem? Show a simple sketch or diagram.

S4

Business Model

Who are your customers? How do you make money? What makes you different?

S5

The Ask

What do you need? Mentorship? A partner? Funding? End with a strong, memorable statement!

📋 Tutor Notes – JSS2 Entrepreneur Track

Facilitation Tips

  • Show real Nigerian startup pitch examples (YouTube)
  • Invite a local entrepreneur as guest speaker
  • Don't judge ideas as "unrealistic" — encourage creativity
  • Focus on the PROBLEM identification quality

Pitch Day Setup

  • 2 judges (another teacher or local business person)
  • 5 minutes per team: 3 min pitch + 2 min Q&A
  • Award certificates to all participants
  • Best pitch goes on school notice board/social media

Zeeqtech AI Tutor

JSS2 Digital Tools & Coding • Online Now

Hey JSS2 coder! 👋 I'm your Zeeqtech AI Tutor. I can help with internet research, Scratch programming, Canva design, or entrepreneurship. What do you want to explore today?