What Is A Computer Virus?im May 2026

: The virus carries out its intended malicious activity, which can range from minor pranks to severe system damage. Common Types of Viruses

: The virus remains hidden on the system, often attached to a legitimate file, waiting for a specific trigger. What Is a Computer Virus?im

: A specific event—such as a date, a time, or a user opening an infected application—triggers the "payload". : The virus carries out its intended malicious

A computer virus is a specific type of malicious software () designed to replicate itself by inserting its own code into other programs, files, or the operating system. Much like a biological virus needs a living cell to reproduce, a digital virus requires a host program and typically some form of user action to activate and spread. How a Virus Functions A computer virus is a specific type of

Whenever I run professional development for science teachers about climate change, I share the CLEAN network's set of vetted resources.

-Director of Science Teaching Institute

CLEAN is an exceptional collection of well vetted resources. Our group, Classrooms for Climate Action, incorporates resources from CLEAN when we co-create our units with teachers.

-Elementary Educator

As a science education researcher working closely with preservice teachers, public school teachers and instructors in both formal and non-formal educational contexts I consistently recommend CLEAN as a reliable resource. I wish every educator were required to use and become familiar with this amazing resource.

-Science Education Researcher

I use it as a resource when planning professional development for teachers--both in service and pre service; as well as for instructors in non-formal programs. I wish every educator were required to use and become familiar with this amazing resource.

This collection of CLEAN resources is always a first stop when I am looking for a resource to use in education and outreach, and the place I look first before I develop something new!

-Climate Scientist

I appreciate how you've linked climate and energy education to NGSS, and have provided good searching tools - a valuable resource for teachers!

-NOAA Planet Stewards Educator

I've started to use CLEAN as my go-to source for not just lab activities, but also to help me organize and align to NGSS standards. I'm finding the structures really helpful to building my long term plans.

-K-12 Teacher

CLEAN materials were extremely helpful, primarily in guiding my approach for high school students. I trusted both the pedagogical approach and the suggested materials. It’s refreshing to have a clearinghouse of information that I can trust, especially in a pinch.

-Environmental Scientist

We are so grateful to CLEAN, which allows us to make a single recommendation of where to go for the best and most comprehensive resource collection.

-CLEAN Network Member

As a busy classroom educator who teaches topics that are in constant need of updating, it is so awesome to have one place to go to find innovative instructional materials! I know the materials are vetted, and connected to the NGSS, which relieves some of burden when designing new lessons.

-Secondary Educator

CLEAN's collection of peer-reviewed lessons and resources is truly the best one-stop-shop for climate education!

-Teacher Professional Development Provider

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