Curated OER
Learning How to Send Messages in Code
Learning about the use of secret codes can help students practice important skills.
Code.org
Sending Bits in the Real World
A bit optional. How do computers transmit in the real world? Pupils research a device that is used in transmitting bits, then individuals create a poster that presents the information they have learned about their device.
Code.org
Encoding and Sending Formatted Text
Introduce your class to encoding text. Pairs work together to create a protocol to send text prior to learning ASCII encoding. Groups then collaborate to send and translate ASCII codes creating a formatted text message.
NASA
Speaking in Phases
Hear from deep space. Pupils learn how satellites transfer information back to Earth. They learn about three different ways to modulate radio waves and how a satellite sends information with only 0s and 1s. Using sound, class members...
Code.org
The Need for Addressing
You sunk my battleship via the Internet? Groups of three play a modified game of Battleship using the Internet Simulator. Team members determine how to address messages, so each player knows who the message is for, and refine their text...
T. Smith Publishing
Writing a Friendly Letter
Just because kids today are well-versed in texting and emails doesn't mean they shouldn't learn how to write a friendly letter! Reinforce their letter-writing skills with a lesson focused on the elements of a friendly letter, as well as...
Code.org
Asymmetric Keys – Cups and Beans
Beans are for more than just counting! Introduce public key cryptography with cups and beans and ask scholars to use the beans to send secret numbers. Participants learn how this activity relates to public key cryptography and asymmetric...
NOAA
Who’s Blue Peter?
Scholars discover who Blue Peter is and how sailors used nautical signal flags on the open waters in order to create their own set of nautical signal flags and send messages to peers.
Computer Science Unplugged
Count the Dots – Binary Numbers
Did you know you can send a message using only zeroes and ones? This interactive resource presents an introduction to binary numbers. Through code cards, pupils learn to convert binary numbers to decimal numbers.
Discovery Education
Satellite Telemetry
Satellites require rockets to launch, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand them. Future engineers learn about how satellites send data to Earth and how to interpret satellite images. They see how radio waves play a role...
Curated OER
Write to a Member of Congress
Students discover how to identify and contact their local Representative. They can send an email or a regular letter to their Representative voicing their concerns. They share with the class any responses.
Code.org
HTTP and Abstraction on the Internet
Introduce your class to the layers of abstraction of the Internet with a activity on the HTTP protocol. Pupils review previous lessons on levels of the Internet, then investigate new high levels by examining the HTTP traffic on their own...
Curated OER
Master Spy
Students explain that a code is a system of symbols, letters, words, or signals that are used instead of ordinary words and numbers to send messages or to store information. They practice deciphering a variety of secret codes used in...
Cornell University
Magnetic Mad Libs
Examine the science behind computer communication. After defining the properties of magnets, learners simulate how a computer hard drive works by sending each other binary codes using the magnets. They use these communications to...
Curated OER
Learning to Write and Send Email
Students generate more expressibe and receptive language by send emails to a friend. They improve their word processing and technology skills by sending and receiving emails. A rubric is included in this lesson plan for assessment purposes.
Curated OER
Coding History
Young scholars study the topic of codes in Computer Science. They research it history, divisions in the field and its applications. The lesson plan also includes a brief overview of the information technology theory.
Code.org
Text Compression
The second lesson in a unit of 15 introduces pupils to text compression. The class begins with discussing how they already use text compression when sending text messages. Pairs learn more about the subject as they work to compress a...
University of Minnesota
Neurotransmission Model
Don't lose your marbles — you'll need them for a lesson on neurotransmission. Young scholars build a neurotransmission model using marbles, beads, rubber bands, string, and other elements. After studying specific neurotransmitters,...
Curated OER
Signaling: merit badge
In this signaling worksheet, students use their workbook to answer short answer questions about different ways to send and receive messages. Students complete 6 questions total to get their merit badge.
Curated OER
Caesar Ciphers: An Introduction to Cryptography
Students brainstorm and discuss the concept of cryptography, the science of secrets in today's world and then focus on a system for sending secret messages used by Julius Caesar. They make a Caesar wheel assessing encrypting and...
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...
Code.org
Public Key Cryptography
Investigate how public key cryptography works. Scholars continue their study of one-way functions and asymmetric keys and apply this information to public key cryptography. They use an app to explore public key cryptography and its...
Curated OER
The Dot and Dashy Language
Young scholars examine and discuss the Morse Code. In small groups they develop messages using Morse code and take turns decipering the messages.
Curated OER
Signal Corps
Students examine the role of signal corps during the Civil War and explore the technique of 'wigwag.' In this Civil War lesson, students discuss the way they communicate long distance today, they research how a civil war soldier...