Curated OER
Secret Writing Devices
Elementary and middle schoolers explore the world of secret writing, otherwise known as cryptography. After an interesting introduction to the activity, learners utilize a decoder badge which uses the St. Cyr cipher - which is a cipher...
Curated OER
Decoding Nazi Secrets
Learners practice decoding messages given the key. They continue to practice solving messages without a key. They must determine the best way to view the message. They examine secret messages during World War II.
Curated OER
Decoding Machine
Fourth graders use their decoding machine to find the value of their spelling words. Encourage partners to create a message for each other to decode.
Curated OER
Scatter Brain
Examine a coordinated geometry grid to decode the hidden message. Pupils write a coded message to their parents using letter coordinates from the grid.
Curated OER
Secret Codes
Learners practice writing and decoding secret messages before discussing DNA and its role as a code for making proteins. They translate DNA into RNA and identify the sequence of amino acids to find a secret message. An interactive...
Curated OER
Decoding DNA
Third graders complete their KWL charts from the first lesson of the unit as a review for the summative. Then they decode a secret message using the four basic components of DNA, adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine.
Curated OER
Shh... It's a Secret!
Fifth graders examine a series of rules for deciphering a code. They create their own secret message using a code after watching video. They access a web site to practice their decoding skills.
Curated OER
Caesar Ciphers: An Introduction to Cryptography
Students encode and decode messages using a Caesar Cipher. In this encoding and decoding messages using a Caesar Cipher lesson, students discuss cryptography and how it is used. Students make a Caesar wheel to encode and decode...
Curated OER
Magnetism-Decode Encrypted Statements
Third graders solve a cryptogram by decoding a message written with wingdings. In this decoding lesson, 3rd graders solve a message related to magnetism. Students have notes about magnets once they've finished.
Shodor Education Foundation
Spy Game
Turn students into detectives as they decipher encrypted messages. Introduce your class to modular arithmetic and have a little fun encrypting and decoding secret messages. The activity does not hit many content standards, but would be...
Curated OER
Secret Codes
Students examine Morse code and how it is used. In this secret codes instructional activity students decode messages, make their own codes and have other students crack the code.
Curated OER
All Systems Go!
Secret codes are so much fun, and a great way to practice nearly any math skill. Let your class become code breakers as they investigate inverse matrices. They use TI-Nspire technology to solve systems of equations which help them crack...
Curated OER
Matrices: A Secret Weapon
Students perform operations with matrices. In this algebra lesson, students use cryptography and cryptanalysis to solve problems. They add, subtract, and multiply matrices.
Curated OER
Cryptography Implementation
Students explore cryptology. They write a research paper on cryptography. Using linear equations, students invent a code and write a secret message. Students complete cryptography puzzles.
Curated OER
Decoding Machine
Students are introduced to the concept of variables and their uses. In groups, they are given a code in which they must find the value of the missing words. To end the lesson, they find the value of words over ten letters long and their...
Computer Science Unplugged
You Can Say That Again! – Text Compression
Compression, the process computers use to store information, is the focus of a resource that presents two different stories that describe the concept of compression by eliminating repeated letters and replacing them with a pointer. The...
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
Detective Digis and the Computer Caper
Mathematicians participate in an hands-on activity to investigate the binary number system and write messages in binary code and have classmates decipher the messages. A said video on the topic does not seem to be available, but the...
Curated OER
U Boat Hunt
Students recognize patterns and sequences in numbers. For this geometry lesson, students create rules to define the sequences and patterns they obsere. They translate coded messages as they dicuss navigational terms.
Curated OER
Clock Arithmetic and Cryptography
Students perform basic operations in modular (clock) arithmetic. Students encode and decode messages using shift and affine ciphers. Students apply their multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction skills.
Curated OER
SAY IT WITH DNA: Protein Synthesis Tutorial
Ninth graders explore protein synthesis. In this DNA lesson plan students complete a worksheet and a DNA lab activity.
Curated OER
Basic Crypto Systems
Students try to solve codes mathematically. The use of a code needs a key. Students try to decipher a code with a mathematical key. This requires focus and higher order thinking skills like analysis.