Shodor Education Foundation
Caesar Cipher
Caesar ciphers hide secret missives. A simple interactive lets users encode and decode hidden messages. The cipher method here is the Caesar shift.
Curated OER
Matrix Madness!!
Perform operations to add, subtract, multiply and divide matrices. Then solve problems with vectors using matrices. A three day lesson: Matrix Madness, Mystical Matrices, and Decode the Encode. The last lesson has prizes that the class...
Curated OER
A Teeny Tiny Counting Book
A cute way to reinforce counting for your little learners, this activity helps students to cut out several small pages to create a small book. Each page has a number that accompanies the amount of transportation items on each page (two...
Curated OER
Secret Messages and Matrices
Young scholars use matrices and linear equations to decrypt a secret message. They receive a part of the encoded message to decode by means of inverse matrices. Pupils write critiques about the activity.
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
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
Clock Arithmetic and Cryptography
Learners investigate modular clock arithmetic and cryptography. They perform basic operations in modular (clock) arithmetic and encode and decode messages using simple shift and affine ciphers.
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...
EngageNY
Using Matrix Operations for Encryption
Data encryption is an important security measure for sensitive data stored on computers. Pupils learn how to utilize matrices for creating code. They also get a great review of matrix multiplication, inverse matrices, and the identity...
Curated OER
Problem Solving Model
Use a vocabulary chart to introduce math functions. The class defines a list of mathematical vocabulary terms on a worksheet, as well as completes equations and expressions. They examine word problems and practice transcribing them into...
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 on the TI-83 Graphing Calculator
Students explore the history of cryptography. They assess function notation and transformation, matrix operations, and the fundamentals of modular arithmetic. Using graphing calculators, students develop their own encryption schemes.
Curated OER
Secret Sharing with Linear Equations
Learners use linear equations to reveal a secret message. They practice writing linear equations from two ordered pairs. Students determine the y-intercept of the line from the equation. They reveal the secret message from the teacher.
Curated OER
Clock Arithmetic and Cryptography
Students explore the concept of modular arithmetic and cryptography. In this modular arithmetic and cryptography lesson plan, students use applets to explore modular arithmetic using a clock and Caesar Ciphers. Students exchange their...
Curated OER
Cryptography Implementation
Learners explore cryptology. They write a research paper on cryptography. Using linear equations, students invent a code and write a secret message. Learners complete cryptography puzzles.
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.
Shodor Education Foundation
Shodor Interactivate: Caesar Cipher
Create your own affine cipher for encoding and decoding messages. Input your own constant and multiplier, then input a message to encode.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Coded Messages
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson uses matrices (inverse and multiplication) to decode messages hidden within digital pictures -- a process known as steganography. This method of hidden communication is known to...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Breaking the Code
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson introduced students to simple coding techniques (namely, the shift cipher). Students learn to translate codes from nonsense to English by quantifying each letter, and then...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Illuminations: Codes
This is a computer based program that allows students to understand basic cryptography which utilizes transformations of shifting and stretching. Students may encode their own message and see it graphically.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: How Hard Can It Be?
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson introduces students to one way of defining the strength of an encryption (called "Entropy"). In the lesson, students learn how to calculate the entropy of a given code, and then...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Creating Codes
Based off of the hit show NUMB3RS, this lesson focuses on getting students to create ciphering codes. These codes are made in two different ways in this lesson: once with addition and once with multiplication. Students in this lesson are...