National curriculum content
Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
Lesson objectives
- Transmitting information in semaphore.
- Using Morse code.
- Using the Caesar cipher to create and crack codes.
- Password security.
- Security on the Web.
What we want children to know
- Be familiar with semaphore and Morse code.
- To understand the need for private information to be encrypted.
- Encrypt and decrypt messages in simple ciphers.
- Appreciate the need to use complex passwords and to keep them secure.
- To understand how encryption works on the web.
What skills we want children to develop
- Pupils use encryption and decryption in mathematical functions. Frequency tables play a role in cracking substitution ciphers.
- Pupils explore interesting stories involving the use of cryptography throughout history.
Vocabulary
Binary code, cipher, decrypt, encrypt, Morse code, password, security, semaphore