Caesar Cipher

Description: Throughout this unit, we explored how to implement the Caesar Cipher to encode and decode text. We began by working with simple encryption that used a one-digit key to shift letters. After mastering that, we advanced to using longer, multi-digit keys for a more complex encryption. Finally, we put our skills to the test in a scavenger hunt activity, where we had to crack messages that were encrypted with an unknown key.

Procedure: We began by learning to encrypt text using a single-digit key, shifting each letter by that number while leaving symbols and numbers unchanged. To decrypt, we used a loop to test all 26 possible shifts, since there are 26 letters in the alphabet. Later, we moved on to using a 10-digit key, applying each digit to shift individual letters. We used these methods to crack riddles; starting with simpler ones that used single-digit keys. The final challenge required a multi-digit key. We got the first six digits from previous clues and figured out the remaining four through referencing the alphabet, using the known word "Sanchez" to backtrack the correct shifts. This led us to the final key: "6508069278."

SOUL Reflection:

S - Strengths - I think I had a lot of perseverance throughout this project because when were solving clue 5, it took many attempts to crack the code. I never gave up and tried other methods to continue solving the code.

O - Opportunities - I could've found the decrypted code in a less labor intensive way. Instead of using the alphabet to guess and check, I could've used my critical thinking to use previous clues to find the key

U - Understanding - The was one of the most informative computer science projects in junior high. We learned key elements of python, which led to our understanding of encrypting with a single-digit key, and later on, a ten-digit key.

L - Limitations - The largest limitation was time. Because we were doing a guess and check strategy, it felt like there wouldn't be enough time to complete it within the class period. This could've been avoided using more critical thinking.

WISCR:

Clear Communicator- I had very clear communication with my partner and Ms. Tran. I voiced my ideas of how to solve the clues to my partner.

Insightful and Critical Thinker- This project required more critical thinking than I've ever done in a computer science project. I went through all the solving methods in my head, and was able to think outside the box to get the beginning of the key.