Fifth graders create mathematical creatures. In this geometry lesson, 5th graders create a creature from regular and irregular geometric shapes. Students review vocabulary and construct an original creature based on a rubric.

Students use the National Archives to research the memorandum regarding the enlistment of Navajo Indians during World War II.

Students visualize DNA from cells and explain the basis and importance of the Gram-stain reaction and to perform the KOH test equivalent.

Tenth graders study how to search for life in outer space and make use of the 40-foot radio telescope at Greenbank, West Virginia. Request that the telescope be pointed at a particular location and time and receive data back from it...

Eleventh graders explain why colour blindness is more common in men than women.

Students recognize the long "e" sound, and identify it in spoken words by learning letter symbols. Students participate in role playing and tongue twisters to learn the long "e" sound. By learning phenomes, students are taking the...

In this problem solving worksheet, 4th graders are given an answer to a question and must solve the mathematical problems to discover the secret question. Students solve for 18 problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and...

Students research the telegraph. In this telegraph instructional activity, students review the history of the telegraph. Students complete radio wave experiments. Students work in pairs to complete 3 sound exercises.

Students plan and perform a mysterious scenario using a variety of literary conventions such as characterization, setting, and plot development. Each group provides enough clues to make solving the mystery a challenge.

Eighth graders work together in groups to practice their communication skills. They answer different questions based on what group they are in and communicate the information to different groups. They discuss the activity to end the lesson.

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...

In this recycling learning exercise, students match the picture of a recycle guys, cartoon characters at the top of the page, with its name. They insert the proper letter of the alphabet to complete a cryptogram puzzle about recycling.

Learners examine protein synthesis and how DNA is transcribed.   In this investigative lesson students play a role in the messenger RNA when it creates nucleotides. 

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.

The basic difference between a code and cipher is explained briefly. You can try to crack a simple cipher at this location.

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...

[Free Registration/Login Required] One of the most important code systems invented is the internationally-recognized Morse code, which matches dots and dashes to letters of the alphabet. This revolutionized communication by sending...

How did various cultures communicate before the invention of the telephone, email or telegraph? Discover the use of message drums in this lesson plan.

This lesson focuses on the spirituals sung by the African American slaves as a way to express feeling and relay information in coded messages. as well as, to pass the time. It includes a PDF of the lyrics to two spirituals, "Go Down,...

Students will learn how to write numbers and words in binary form in order to understand that patterns can be used to transfer information. Resources include a video explanation and examples of student work.

An exhaustive look at the Signal Corps, the legislation behind its formation, and its many uses during the Civil War. Find the equipment used, the code for the signal flags, and pictures of the troops. This is a very detailed and...

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.

This activity is based on a simplified version of the Enigma Machine, used by the Germans to pass coded messages in WW2. The coded messages were finally cracked by officers stationed at Bletchley Park. By selecting a codedisc and letter...

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.