Class members have an opportunity to experience how to use a public key to encrypt information and a private key to decrypt it. Groups create their own public key and encrypt information then develop private keys to decrypt this material. The activity is the last part in a three-part series on encryption.

Concepts

cryptography, cryptograms, cryptology, the internet, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• If the class is not familiar with one-way functions, provide instruction on them
• Show the video before starting the activity

Classroom Considerations

• Needs either a transparency or way of projecting the black line master

Pros

• Makes comparisons between private padlocks to encryption
• Provides a detailed example on how a public key works

Cons

• Requires concentration and precision in order to successfully complete the activity