K-2.NI.6

K-2.NI.6 - Create patterns to communicate a message. [Networks and the Internet (concept) + Developing and Using Abstractions (practice).

Connecting devices to a network or the Internet provides great benefit, but care must be taken to protect devices and information from unauthorized access. Messages can be protected by using secret languages or codes. Patterns help to ensure that the intended recipient can decode the message. Students create a pattern that can be decoded and translated into a message.

This standard is a precursor to data encryption.

Connections

Math Connections

In primary grades, the math standards expect students to be able to add and subtract with fluency. Kindergarteners are expected to work within 10, first graders within 20, and second within 100.

When it comes to using patterns to communicate a message, students can build up to creating input-output tables to generate and decipher messages.

Digital Citizenship Connections

This standard relates to other CS standards focused on passwords and people connecting online which is a great way to integrate digital citizenship. Students need to know about privacy and security as it relates to being online. In creating secret messages, connections should made to being safe online. Coded messages are a way of protecting information which correlates with online safety and privacy.

Examples

Secret Codes

Students could use a a table to create a secret code. Depending on grade level, students can utilize basic addition or subtraction facts to generate their coded message. At the kinder level, students might focus on just decoding secret messages and be provided a limited characters to work with. As students reach first grade, they are able to work with numbers that are a little larger and also navigate through having more characters available. In second grade, students can work to generate their code and message. Once their codes and secret messages are ready, they can have a classmate try to decode their message. Within all grade levels, explicit connections should be made to why computer scientists would need to use special codes to keep information safe.

Below you will find some worksheet options to introduce this skill.

More Examples

Alternatively, students could use icons or invented symbols to represent patterns of beat, rhythm, or pitch to decode a musical phrase. (VAPA Music K.1.1, 1.1.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.2)

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