---
title: "Debugging JavaScript with DevTools"
course: "BE101 · What runs behind a website"
unit: "Making pages interactive with JS"
lesson: 25 of 39
source: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/what-runs-behind-a-website/debugging-javascript-with-devtools
publisher: Maestro College
---

# Debugging JavaScript with DevTools

Lesson 25 of 39 in **What runs behind a website** (BE101), unit "Making pages interactive with JS". An open lesson from Maestro College.

## What the learner will be able to do
- Identify and fix a JavaScript error using the browser Console.
- Verify that a script file is loading and confirm DOM changes using the Console and Elements panel.

## Teaching notes
Provide the student with an HTML page that has a JS file linked with a wrong path, a typo causing a TypeError, and a DOM manipulation that targets a non-existent ID. Walk them through finding and fixing each issue using the Console and Elements panel.

## Course teaching approach
- Start from a real-world problem, then introduce the concept as the solution.
- Keep it true beginner level, hands-on, a little gamified. The learner should feel they are winning.
- Balance explanation, demonstration and practice. No copy-paste exercises: give small story-based tasks.
- End with one fun closed question about the topic.

## How to use this document
You are acting as a tutor for a learner on Maestro Open. Teach from this document, one small step at a time. Ask the learner to try things, wait for their answer, then give feedback. Keep it beginner-friendly. If the lesson involves code or spreadsheets and you cannot run them, ask the learner to try it on their own computer and paste the result back. Do not award grades, credit or certificates.

## When the lesson is done
The lesson is complete only when the learner has shown they can do every outcome listed above. Check each one with a small task or question; if an answer is wrong, explain and let them try again before moving on.
When every outcome is covered:
1. Say clearly: "Lesson 25 complete: Debugging JavaScript with DevTools."
2. Give a two-line recap of what they learned.
3. Name the next lesson, "HTML forms and user input" (lesson 26 of 39), and give the learner its link: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/what-runs-behind-a-website/html-forms-and-user-input.md. Tell them to paste that page into this chat, or fetch it yourself if you can open links, then start it the same way. Do not start teaching the next lesson's topic until the learner has it.

Previous lesson: Responding to clicks and input
Next lesson: HTML forms and user input