Embedded Files
Project description : In this project, we learned how to use different encrypted messages as clues to find Ms Tran's missing cow. We crated codes to decrypt secret messages to find the cow and win a prize.
Procedure : We started by watching a video that explained the Caesar Cipher principle. After watching, we learned how to use a single key to decipher a basic Caesar Cipher encryption code. We also learned how to make the list unlimited by using the %26 to loop back to the beginning of the list (of letters). In order to decrypt the encrypted message, we then created a decryption function that subtracts the key rather than adds it. By assigning a distinct key to each character, we went on to make the Caesar Cipher code more challenging.
The clues displayed below shows the step by step clues we went through to come to our final conclusion. My partner was Shanku, and we worked together to find the answer.
CLUE 1:
Encrypted Text:
Vb. Cajw oxdwm jw xynw pjcn. Bqn rb yjwrltrwp knljdbn qna lxf qjb pxwn vrbbrwp!
Decoded Message:
Ms. Tran found an open gate. She is panicking because her cow has gone missing!
What it revealed:
The first clue told us the cow had escaped, and Ms. Tran was looking for it.
The code below displays all the possible shifts.
CLUE 2:
Original Encrypted Text:
Tcwn uckf jg ucy vjg eqy jcpikpi qwv ykvj LJ mkfu kp vjg Ewg Swcf gcvkpi okpv ecpfa.
Decoded Message:
Raul said he saw the cow hanging out with JH kids in the Cue Quad eating mint candy.
What this told us:
The cow was seen in the Cue Quad with Junior High students, enjoying some mint candy!
The code below displays all the possible shifts
CLUE 3:
Original Encrypted Text:
Tz. Ayhu yljhssz zllpun Tz. Rpun huk Tz. Zhujolg lhapun aol zhtl tpua jhukf.
Decoded Message:
Ms. Tran recalls seeing Ms. King and Ms. Sanchez eating the same mint candy.
What this told us:
The cow might be with Ms. King or Ms. Sanchez, since they were eating the same kind of candy seen earlier.
The code below displays all the possible shifts
CLUE 4:
CLUE 4:
Original Encrypted Text:
Awumwvm nwcvl i kivlg ezixxmz eqbp “Kitt um” ezqbbmv vmfb bw i vcujmz: 650806….
Decoded Message:
Someone found a candy wrapper with "Call me" written next to a number: 650806….
What this told us:
A phone number was left behind on a candy wrapper—possibly by the person who has the cow, or even by the cow itself! We need the rest of the number to investigate further.
The code below displays all the possible shifts
CLUE 5:
CLUE 5:
Original Encrypted Text:
Zme cuf swbjs cgwfpmy aa sdeo gx goa fv. So otn zbuqe iz. Pb batkkm aw Rs. Yjpjpke’a uohpkk tw mnv pox nabxtpbk svait.
This final code was especially challenging. To crack it, we had to use a multi-digit decryption tool, but that meant figuring out the key first. We attempted using various known phone numbers, but none of them worked. Eventually, we tested random number combinations until we landed on 6508069278, which finally gave us a readable message.
Decoded Message:
The cow loves candies as much as you do. No one stole it. It walked to Ms. Sanchez’s office to get his favorite snack.
What this told us:
The cow wasn’t kidnapped after all—it just wandered over to Ms. Sanchez’s office to grab some candy!
Reflection :
S(trength) - A strength I had in this project was teamwork. Although my partner and I aren't the strongest coding students, we still worked together to find out the location of the cow in the end. This was achieved through ongoing trial and error until we reached a solution for the first clue. Once we had solved the first clue, we were then able to apply the knowledge to the rest.
O(ppurtunity) - An oppurtunity to improve within this project was challenging myself without a teachers help. Ms Tran gave us independency to work only with our partners. We were tasked with working on our own, but we were still able to succeed.
U(nderstanding) - After doing this project, I have a deeper understanding on the history of Caesars Cipher, and how it works. I also learned how to use python, and it refreshed my memory on the topics we covered back in CS7.
L(imitations)- A limitation I had in this project was the amount of time it took to figure out the final clue. This caused a butterfly effect that gave me less time to work on my portfolio.
W(ell rounded) - This project taught me how to use Caesar Cipher, which is a huge part of python coding. Allowing me to have a stronger base as I continue to explore computer science in high school.
I(nsightful critical thinkers)- Once we realised it was too challenging to solve the last clue, we taught ourselves how to use the brute force method. This ended up finding the original scrambled code ot help us get the answer.
S(elf motivated)- Without the help of a teacher, Shanku and I were put in a position where we had to use the resources given to solve the clues. It wasn't easy, but with perseverence we were able to complete the project in time.
C(lear communicators) - Whenever my partner or I were confused, we were clear communicators with each other. Always giving one another help with a shared goal of solving the mystery. If I found something that could potentially be useful, I would tell shanku what I found, and he would give me feedback if we could use it.
R(espectful individuals of character) - If my partner and I had a disagreement. I would always kindly advise him to look in another possibility, while still maintaining an open mind to his ideas.
Page updated
Report abuse