Information Hiding: Sharing Secrets

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This activity about cryptographic techniques illustrates a situation where information is shared, and yet none of it is revealed. A group of learners will calculate their average age without anyone revealing their own age. Use this activity to introduce learners to cryptographic protocols and internet security/privacy issues. Variations, extensions, background information, and further reading suggestions are included in the PDF.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • a small pad of paper
  • pen

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Computing
      • Computer Science
      • Information Technology
    • Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
    • Technology
      • Information and Communication
  • Mathematics
    • Number and Operations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits

Informal Categories

  • Computers
  • Financial Literacy

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Bell, Tim ; Witten, Ian ; Fellows, Mike

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • Brian Mason Scientific and Technical Trust
  • Google Inc.