Unit Plan
Curated OER

Deciphering Word Problems in Order to Write Equations

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
Help young mathematicians crack the code of word problems with this three-lesson series on problem solving. Walking students step-by-step through the process of identifying key information, creating algebraic equations, and finally...
Lesson Plan
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Morning Message-Mystery Code

For Teachers K
Students copy and figure out the Mystery Codeword each day. They copy Mystery Code into journal. They match the number with the letter to decipher the code word. They draw a picture to match code word. At the end of the week, the...
Lesson Plan
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Coin Codes

For Teachers 3rd - 7th
Students work on cracking coin codes in honor of the Navajo Code Talkers Medal. Students review the handout on Crack the Code. Students race to see who can crack the code the fastest.
Lesson Plan
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Detective Digis and the Computer Caper

For Teachers 6th - 9th
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...
Worksheet
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Squigly's Secret Easter Code

For Students 6th - 8th
In this math learning exercise, students practice solving the code in order to decipher a secret message that is based upon the theme of Easter.
Lesson Plan
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Patterns of Communication

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Scholars examine codes, symbols, and other forms of communication. They discuss Morse Code. Next, they are given messages written in code, which they must decipher. 
Lesson Plan
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Create Your Own Coded Language

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students discover and identify cryptology used in everyday life. They decipher or crack codes. Students create their own secret writing or coded messages, and develop a dictionary of eponyms. They discuss how they have already...
Worksheet
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Coded Message Game

For Students 4th - 6th
In this coded message worksheet, students use the two-digit numbers and letters of the alphabet code to decipher a quote about the brain from Santiago Ramon y Cajal. Students decode eighteen words.
Lesson Plan
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Shh... It's a Secret!

For Teachers 5th
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.
Worksheet
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Multiplying Decimals

For Students 4th - 5th
In this mathematics worksheet, students find the answer to each problem by multiplying the decimals properly. Then they decipher the secret code using the letters and punctuation next to each answer.
Lesson Plan
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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
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Cryptography and Cryptanalysis

For Students 8th
In this cryptography and cryptanalysis worksheet, 8th graders read the explanation and example for codes and ciphers, then answer 2 questions and decipher 2 messages.
Lesson Plan
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Basic Crypto Systems

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners 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.
Lesson Plan
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1
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Coordinating Coordinates

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore coordinate pairs and coordinate grids. They use a grid on which each letter of the alphabet is assigned a coordinate pair, 3rd graders decipher a coded message. Pupils compare coordinate pairs on a coordinate grid...
Lesson Plan
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Signal Corps

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine the role of signal corps during the Civil War and explore the technique of 'wigwag.' In this Civil War lesson plan, students discuss the way they communicate long distance today, they research how a civil war soldier...
Worksheet
2
2
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Addition Facts (Chinese New Year Puzzle)

For Students 1st - 2nd
In this math learning exercise, students solve 15 basic addition facts with sums up to 20. Using the answers and the code key, students decipher the secret message about Chinese New Year.
Lesson Plan
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Codebreaker Math

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Learners solve addition and subtraction problems and decipher and write messages using a code. They read and discuss an informational fact sheet about the Navajo code talkers from World War II, and decode and re-code messages using math...
Worksheet
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Basketball Addition Puzzle

For Students 1st - 2nd
In this math worksheet, students solve 25 basic addition facts below 20. Using the sums and the key to the code, students decipher a secret message about basketball.
Worksheet
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Baseball Word Puzzle and Addition Facts

For Students 1st - 2nd
In this math worksheet, students solve 25 basic addition facts below 20. Using the sums and the key to the code, students decipher a secret message about baseball.
Worksheet
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George Washington Addition Puzzle

For Students 1st - 2nd
In this math worksheet, students solve 45 basic addition facts. Using the sums and the key to the code, students will decipher the secret message about George Washington.
Worksheet
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A Stately Addition

For Students 7th - 12th
In this stately addition instructional activity, students translate letters to numbers.  They decipher a code.  This one-page instructional activity contains 1 problem.  The answer is provided.
Lesson Plan
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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...
Lesson Plan
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Decoding a Mystery Message from Space

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars examine a message sent from outer space and do their best to interpret its meaning. In this problem solving activity, students investigate a code sent to them from "outer space." The young scholars collaborate with their...
Lesson Plan
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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...