Grades

4 - 7

1

-

1.5

Hours

Operation Encryption

Coding

Working in pairs or groups, students will create their own substitution ciphers and exchange encrypted messages!

Concepts at a Glance

Understand the basics of data encryption and decryption.
Recognize the importance of secure communication between devices.
Understand how to build a narrative around STEM activities.

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Curriculum Connections

6/7Computational Thinking

Evolution of programming languages
Historical perspectives, evolution (e.g. Enigma, ciphers)

6/7

Digital Literacy

Internet safety
Privacy and security (secured connections, passwords, personal information)

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Materials

Non-consumable

Scissors
Colouring pencils and pens

Consumable

Paper ciphers
Cardboard (optional)
Glue stick (optional)
Pushpin (optional)

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Activity Instructions

You can modify this activity with the follow age appropriate challenges we have described below:

6-8: Students could use CAD software to model their ciphers. This modification incorporates the ADST Drafting curriculum!

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Worksheets

Operation Encryption Worksheet

Encryption and Substitution Ciphers Slides

Lesson Plan

Download Lesson Plan