1 - Introduction ~5 mins
Welcome
You already use the internet every day for messages, videos and school work. Today you pin down what the internet actually is, what a browser does, and how to read a web address so you can spot safer pages faster. These habits matter when you research your Something Real project and when you send work to a real recipient later in this unit.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Explain the internet as a network of networks and what a browser does
- Read URLs, domains, HTTPS and the connection icon for basic trust cues
- Use tabs, bookmarks, history and basic browser settings
- Bookmark three project-useful sites and screenshot the bookmarks bar
Warm-up
Think of the last three websites you opened for school or your project. Without looking, can you name the browser you used, and did you notice a padlock or site icon beside the address? Keep that answer in your head as you work through today's tour.
Folder check: You need {{code:Project_Portfolio}} with a {{code:02_research}} sub-folder. If either is missing, create them in your cloud storage now before the tour starts.
2 - Key Concepts ~7 mins
Caption: Network = internet; app on your screen = browser.
Four idea groups today: (1) internet vs browser, (2) URL and domain, (3) HTTPS and the connection icon, (4) tabs, bookmarks and history. Settings is only a quick glance later, not a full topic.
| Concept | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Internet — a huge shared network that links computers worldwide | It is the network, not the browser icon on your desktop | School laptop, phone data and a library PC can all open the same Citizens Information page |
| Browser — the app that fetches pages and shows them (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox) | Tabs, bookmarks and settings live in the browser, not "in the internet" | Opening Edge or Chrome is like opening a word processor: different apps, same job |
| URL and domain — full address (URL); core site name (domain) | Reading the domain stops you trusting a lookalike link | URL: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/ — domain: citizensinformation.ie |
| HTTPS and the connection icon — HTTPS scrambles data in transit so others on the network cannot easily read it; browsers show a padlock or site/page-info icon | A secure connection is not the same as honest content | A fake shop can still show a secure icon; always read the domain too |
| Tabs, bookmarks and history — tabs hold open pages; bookmarks save sites; history lists visits | Bookmarks keep Something Real research one click away | revenue.ie, a local ETB page and a club fixtures site on the bar for Work Experience or enterprise work |
Sample Browser Tour layout
Your page {{code:02_browser_tour}} should include:
- Heading: Browser Tour — [your project name]
- Browser used: e.g. Microsoft Edge on Windows
- Three bookmarks with a one-line reason each (tied to your project)
- Screenshot: bookmarks bar showing all three links
- One trust note: e.g. "All three use HTTPS and a domain I recognise."
3 - Step-by-step Task ~12 mins
Complete a guided browser tour on your machine. You will read a URL, check HTTPS and the connection icon, open tabs, save three bookmarks, and open History. Settings is optional if the menu is locked.
Which tab?
- Chrome on Windows, Mac or Chromebook: use the Chrome steps (menus and shortcuts match).
- Microsoft Edge on Windows: use the Edge steps.
- Safari on Mac: use the Safari steps.
- Firefox: same ideas (tabs, bookmarks, HTTPS, history); menu names may say Library or Bookmarks — ask if you get stuck.
4 - Common Issues ~3 mins
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| I cannot see the bookmarks or favourites bar | Try the shortcut first: {{kbd:Ctrl+Shift+B}} (Windows/Chromebook) or {{kbd:Cmd+Shift+B}} (Mac). Edge: Settings → Appearance → set the favourites/Favorites bar to Always. Safari: View → Show Favorites Bar. Chrome: More → Bookmarks and lists → Show bookmarks bar. |
| I cannot find a padlock on Chrome | Current Chrome often shows a tune or page-info icon instead of a classic padlock. Click that icon and check the connection is secure / HTTPS. Still read the domain. Do not enter passwords on a page marked Not secure. |
| The padlock is missing or the browser warns "Not secure" | Check you typed https and the domain correctly. Some school filter pages or plain http sites will not show a secure icon. Do not enter passwords on a page marked Not secure. |
| My bookmark saved to the wrong place | Edit or drag the bookmark onto the bar. In Edge/Chrome open the star again and choose Favourites bar / Bookmarks bar. In Safari choose Favorites Bar when adding. |
| The page looks different from a classmate's screen | Different browsers and school themes change layout slightly. Trust the menu names (Favourites, Bookmarks, History, Settings) rather than exact icon shape. |
5 - Capture Evidence ~5 mins
Before you build the portfolio page, capture a clean screenshot of the bookmarks (or favourites) bar only. Use the steps for your device. Keep the browser open with the three bookmarks visible.
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