Morse Code

Introduction

This workshop is being developed in collaboration with HEIG-VD and explores the world of communications, encryption and cryptography.

During WWII, cracking Enigma was key to winning WWII. Nowadays, our “comms link” to the world is switched on 24×7, whereas in 1970, a five minute overseas phone call would cost CHF500 in today’s money.

The current generation of youth has already communicated (consuming, producing & recycling) more than any preceding generation, and done so on a worldwide scale.

Measured over a month, my teenage son averaged 3.5 hours and ~400 interactions per day on the phone during term time. Less than 10% of this time was spent playing games. Most was spent on YouTube (absorbing), Instagram (producing and sharing as he is an avid photographer!), WhatsApp (listening and speaking with classmates) and the browser (checking homework, searching, practicing guitar etc). I suspect his friends are also averaging similar numbers.

The web filters nothing. It does not discriminate between fact and fiction. And yet it is one of the biggest mediums through which young minds are influenced.

So, how does all this communication work? What information can we trust? What are the dangers to which we are exposed? Can the pictures I post on Facebook be found years later and play to my disadvantage? How can one maintain confidentiality? How is encryption and cryptography used?

This workshop will explore the science and history of data communications and transmission, encryption and cryptography. We will also explore the need to apply common-sense and judgement to information on the web.

Objectives

Explore the above questions including awareness of fake news and “weaponized narratives”
Understanding the basics of data transmission: how is data transmitted, communicated?
Learn basic electronics (capacitance, inductance, resistance), some electronic design and soldering techniques
Learning basic cryptography, understanding how security methods work (hiding data in text or image, encrypting a message, etc.)
Learn basic steganography (hiding messages in other means of communication) and other information security techniques.

Expected Results

Create a wireless communication device
Learn the basics of electronics and soldering techniques
Hide, find and decrypt messages in images and texts using different techniques
Recognize the dangers of sharing information on the internet and protecting oneself, including awareness of factual and fictional information
There will be some programming – no prior experience is required

Practical Details

This is an Appetizer/Chef level workshop with a duration of one week, Monday to Friday, for youngsters aged 10 – 14 years. All workshops are as much hands on and interactive as possible.
Children need not bring any materials other than some drinks and a packed lunch (there is also a canteen at HEIG-VD where lunch can be purchased).
For this workshop, parents will need to drop off their child at the location by 0830 and pick them up latest at 1730. Full details will be provided later. If, due to work constraints, this timing or extended travel is difficult, please call us. We’d like to understand parents difficulties better so we can try to alleviate them.

Morse Code

Introduction

Objectives

Expected Results

Practical Details

Book a workshop (places are typically limited as class sizes are small)