Problem Solving Lesson 4

This is the fourth lesson in the problem-solving module. Learners have so far looked at the cornerstones of computational thinking and have practiced abstracting, decomposing, and using pattern recognition to solve problems. This lesson will enable learners’ practice to their codebreaking skills. Learners will learn about how codebreaking links in with the art of problem-solving. Learners will look at the history of codebreaking and how Julius Caesar exampled it. Learners will practice codebreaking using a shift key. Learners will demonstrate encryption and decryption of Caesar Ciphers before moving on to learn about how logic can be used to decrypt codes without a key. Learners will be demonstrated two methods of logical decryption- cipher wheels and relative letter frequency. Learners will have the opportunity to practice these codebreaking skills with the extension of creating their own ciphers for their peers to solve.