Turing's mug cryptography challenge
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can decode binary messages to crack a hidden code.
Key learning points
- Encryption is the process of converting a message from plain text into cipher text.
- Encryption is used to protect data.
- During WWII, German officers used a special device called an Enigma machine to encrypt all of their communications.
- During World War II, Alan Turing's secret work at Bletchley Park was central to decrypting German communications.
Keywords
Encryption - the process of applying an encryption algorithm to plaintext to produce ciphertext that cannot be understood (without decryption)
Decrypting - the process of converting encrypted data (cipher text) back into its original, readable format called plain text
Common misconception
Once encrypted, a message cannot be decrypted.
A message can be encrypted and decrypted multiple times, this happens frequently during digital communications.
Teacher tip
This lesson could lead onto some research about the Enigma machine, or you could get learners to create their own codes to challenge each other.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is the largest unit of digital information?
Q2.How many bits are there in one byte?
Q3.What does the prefix ‘kilo-’ mean in kilobyte?
Q4.Which of the following is NOT a type of digital data?
Q5.Match each unit to its description:
smallest unit of data
8 bits
1,000 bytes
1,000,000 bytes
Q6.What is the decimal value of the binary number 11100?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who played a key role in breaking the German codes during WWII?
Q2.Which of these is a true statement about encryption?
Q3.What is the name for the process of converting plain text into cipher text?
Q4.Match each term to its meaning:
the process of making data unreadable
the process of making data readable again
the unreadable version of a message
the original, readable message
Q5.Which of these is an example of using encryption in everyday life?
Q6.Place these steps in order for sending an encrypted message:
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Turing's mug cryptography challenge, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Turing's mug cryptography challenge, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Data representation: text and numbers unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.