Curated OER
George Washington Addition Puzzle
In this math worksheet, students solve 45 basic addition facts. Using the sums and the key to the code, students will decipher the secret message about George Washington.
Curated OER
Cookie Crisp Howl
Students are introduced to the vowel pattern that produces the /oo/ sound in words. Through matching, listening, and spelling activities, students recognize the phoneme /oo/ and it's placement in words. They write a message using words...
Reed Novel Studies
The Invention of Hugo Cabret: Novel Study
If the walls could talk, you might hear Hugo from The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Hugo lives in the walls of a train stations in Paris. Scholars read and complete worksheet activities as they discover Hugo's secrets. They show their...
Curated OER
Addition Facts (Chinese New Year Puzzle)
In this math worksheet, students solve 15 basic addition facts with sums up to 20. Using the answers and the code key, students decipher the secret message about Chinese New Year.
Curated OER
Basic Crypto Systems II
Ninth graders discuss the Enigma machine used during World War II. They explore the substitution cipher and variations of it. Students examine the advantages and disadvantages of this cipher. Students write a message using the code...
Curated OER
Matrices: A Secret Weapon
Students perform operations with matrices. In this algebra lesson plan, students use cryptography and cryptanalysis to solve problems. They add, subtract, and multiply matrices.
Curated OER
SHHH It's a Secret
Students rewrite word problems using expressions and equations. In this algebra lesson, students use the correct variable to solve and write equations. They use the TI to graph their solution.
Curated OER
JUDY DREWDY DETECTIVE KIT CHECKLIST
In this literature worksheet, 3rd graders work with the character Judy Drewdy. Students use the given worksheet to create their own detective kits and respond to 7 short answer questions including a puzzle with given clues.
Curated OER
Does the falling tree make a sound if no one if there to hear it? (or communication via encryption)
Students explore encryption. They discuss the importance of cryptography in our daily lives. Students use games and cryptography to discover transformational geometry and modulo systems. They design their own encryption puzzles and...
Curated OER
Memorandum Regarding the
Students use the National Archives to research the memorandum regarding the enlistment of Navajo Indians during World War II.
PBS
Pbs Nova: Send a Coded Message Virtual Enigma
Explore the NOVA's Virtual Enigma machine used during WWII. You can send an encrypted message to a friend along with the special key needed to decipher the message. A link is also included to the Virtual Enigma.
PBS
Pbs Nova: Decipher a Coded Message
The basic difference between a code and cipher is explained briefly. You can try to crack a simple cipher at this location.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Message of the Bottle
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson is best used to serve as a preliminary introduction to coding and encryption. Messages are ciphered by single-letter substitution, and the lesson guides students into deciphering...
PBS
Nova: Secrets, Lies, and Atomic Spies
The companion site to the show by the same title. Interesting site allows the reader to decipher a coded message. Information on Venona Intercepts and interviews with children of famous spies.
Shodor Education Foundation
Shodor Interactivate: Spy Game
Students will learn about modular arithmetic in order to decipher encrypted messages.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Encryption, Decryption, and Cracking
Julius Caesar encrypted messages two thousand years ago. By knowing the techniques of deciphering a code--frequency analysis, known text, and brute force--one can begin to understand the three key aspects of data encryption, decryption,...