Cipher Disk Encryption Challenge

Cipher Disk Encryption Challenge

Create a simple shift cipher device to encrypt and decrypt secret messages.

Rating
Average: 5 (7 votes)
Shift Cipher
Grade Levels
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Duration (hours)
1
Overview
In cryptography, a Caesar cipher, also known as a shift cipher, is one of the simplest and most widely known encryption techniques. All you need is some paper, a printer, and a brad to construct your own.
Cyber Connections
Cryptography
WYSIWYG

First, download the blank cipher disk template

Cipher Disk Assembly

  1. Write the alphabet A-Z in order in each space on the large circle.
  2. Write the alphabet A-Z in order in each space on the smaller circle.
  3. Cut out both circles.
  4. Place the smaller circle on top of the larger circle.
  5. Fasten the disks together with a brad or pipe cleaner.

Picture below for reference.

Now, let's Encrypt!

Create a code using your cipher disk by following the procedure below.Inner Outer Cipher Disk

  1. Turn, or shift, the smaller circle to any other letter so that two different letters line up on the disk.
  2. In the photo to the right, a and U line up where a is the letter in the inner circle and U is the letter in the outer circle.
  3. The letters on the smaller, inner circle correspond to the letters of the actual message.
  4. The encrypted message will be the letters of the outer circle that correspond to the inner circle letters of the actual message.




 

Try this:

I Am Agent Of Harp