Encryption Surprise Party

Due to final exams and end-of-school-year operations, we'll only be running 3 skillbuilders each week. Check back Friday for a new skillbuilder.

This skillbuilder is open for submissions until 11:59 PM PT on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024.

Encryption isn't just for spies and tech experts—it's used everywhere from sending secure emails (cybersecurity) to making online payments (banking) and more. Encryption allows us to encode and protect information. You're best friend has just gotten a new position and you want to throw a surprise party without them finding out. You decide to send an encrypted message to share the details on the party. You plan to use Caesar cipher, this simple method shifts letters in the alphabet to create secret messages.

Your Task:
1. Prepare Your Invitation: Write out an invitation for a surprise birthday party. Include details like the reason for the celebration, who’s invited, the date, time, and venue.

2. Encrypt the Invitation: Use the Caesar cipher wheel graphic we've included with a shift value of 7, or you can create your own. Remember to include what you're celebrating, who's invited, the logistics, etc.

3. Test Your Cipher: After encrypting your invitation, try decrypting it to make sure all the information is correct. Share the encrypted message with a classmate to see if they can decode it using the shift value you provide.