Worksheet
Curated OER

Cryptogram: Can You Figure Out What the Message Says?

For Students 3rd - 4th
In this cryptogram worksheet, students use the letter and number code key to decipher the 12 words in a secret message about geography.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Body Parts Decoder

For Students 3rd - 4th
In this body parts decoder worksheet, students match letters and numbers codes to decipher the names of parts of the body. Students decode fifteen words.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Basic Crypto Systems II

For Teachers 9th
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...
Worksheet
Curated OER

BEAMS Fractions

For Students 5th - 6th
In this math puzzle worksheet, learners will reduce a series of fractions to their lowest terms. Then students will use the code provided to decipher the puzzle.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cryptogram

For Students 4th - 5th
In this cryptogram worksheet, students fill out the key to a code and decipher a cryptogram about Abraham Lincoln. Students fill in the missing letters and read the message. The pattern in the key is not obvious.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matrices: A Secret Weapon

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students perform operations with matrices. In this algebra lesson, students use cryptography and cryptanalysis to solve problems. They add, subtract, and multiply matrices.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Learning to Hate Math

For Students 9th - 12th
Give your class a different kind of reading assignment with the text included here. Anne Miller's essay "Learning to Hate Mathematics" details a hatred of math that grew from early childhood and still haunts the author today. After...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Energy Resources

For Students 7th - 8th
In this energy resources worksheet, students complete 12 questions in the format of puzzles, teasers, and twisters. Examples include a modified cryptoquip and pictogram.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ancient Peoples of the Middle East

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
This is an excellent multidisciplinary lesson designed by Scientific American. It provides three creative activities--designing a garden, studying hieroglyphics, and writing poetry--relevant to the ancient peoples of the Middle East....
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cryptography and Cryptanalysis

For Students 4th - 6th
In this cryptography/cryptanalysis learning exercise, students work with a group and use logic and cryptography techniques to solve problems.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

SHHH It's a Secret

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Learners 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.
Worksheet
Curated OER

JUDY DREWDY DETECTIVE KIT CHECKLIST

For Students 3rd
In this literature activity, 3rd graders work with the character Judy Drewdy. Students use the given activity to create their own detective kits and respond to 7 short answer questions including a puzzle with given clues.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Secrets and Spies

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Learners explore the lives of spies. In this secret government agencies lesson, students visit the Imperial War Museum and the Essex Secret Bunker online or in person to discover details about Britain's spies and secret bunker.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cookie Crisp Howl

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Memorandum Regarding the

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students use the National Archives to research the memorandum regarding the enlistment of Navajo Indians during World War II.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gray Whales: Hitchhikers: Free Rides on Gray Whales

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read about Gray Whales and circle any unfamiliar terms.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Does the falling tree make a sound if no one if there to hear it? (or communication via encryption)

For Teachers 1st - 12th
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...
Activity
PBS

Pbs Nova: Decipher a Coded Message

For Students 9th - 10th
The basic difference between a code and cipher is explained briefly. You can try to crack a simple cipher at this location.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Nova: Send a Coded Message Virtual Enigma

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Spy Techniques of the Revolutionary War: Culper Code Book

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Using a primary source and transcript students decipher and create historically-accurate spy communications like those used by George Washington and the Culper Spy ring in the American Revolutionary War.
Activity
University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge: Nrich: Code Breaker

For Students 3rd - 8th
Do your logic skills need sharpening? Use the interactive code breaker to at this one page website to do just that! The solution is available to double check your solution.
Handout
National Institutes of Health

Nih: Deciphering the Genetic Code: Michael Nirenberg

For Students 9th - 10th
Story of Michael Nirenberg and his colleagues deciphering of DNA.
Activity
PBS

Nova: Secrets, Lies, and Atomic Spies

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Website
Education Development Center

Education Development Center: How Does Dna Work?

For Students 9th - 10th
Learning about transcription and translation can be difficult but this animation helps make the processes less confusing. The animation is interactive and it also covers the overall importance of proteins.