Cipher Disk Encryption Challenge
Create a simple shift cipher device to encrypt and decrypt secret messages.
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
- Write the alphabet A-Z in order in each space on the large circle.
- Write the alphabet A-Z in order in each space on the smaller circle.
- Cut out both circles.
- Place the smaller circle on top of the larger circle.
- 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.
- Turn, or shift, the smaller circle to any other letter so that two different letters line up on the disk.
- 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.
- The letters on the smaller, inner circle correspond to the letters of the actual message.
- The encrypted message will be the letters of the outer circle that correspond to the inner circle letters of the actual message.
Try this:
