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
Scatter Brain
Examine a coordinated geometry grid to decode the hidden message. Pupils write a coded message to their parents using letter coordinates from the grid.
Curated OER
Decoding a Mystery Message from Space
Students examine a message sent from outer space and do their best to interpret its meaning. In this problem solving lesson plan, students investigate a code sent to them from "outer space." The students collaborate with their classmates...
Curated OER
Fundamental Algebraic Skills
In this fundamental algebraic skills instructional activity, students solve 11 various problems that include various algebraic skills. First, they use the coded wheel to answer 2 questions about a message. Then, students substitute the...
Shodor Education Foundation
Spy Game
Turn students into detectives as they decipher encrypted messages. Introduce your class to modular arithmetic and have a little fun encrypting and decoding secret messages. The activity does not hit many content standards, but...
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
Morning Message-Mystery Code
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...
Curated OER
Decoding Machine
Young scholars are introduced to the concept of variables and their uses. In groups, they are given a code in which they must find the value of the missing words. To end the lesson plan, they find the value of words over ten letters long...
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
Codebreaker Math
Students 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...
Curated OER
Cryptography Implementation
Students explore cryptology. They write a research paper on cryptography. Using linear equations, students invent a code and write a secret message. Students complete cryptography puzzles.
Curated OER
U Boat Hunt
Students recognize patterns and sequences in numbers. In this geometry lesson, students create rules to define the sequences and patterns they obsere. They translate coded messages as they dicuss navigational terms.
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
Shh... It's a Secret!
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.
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...
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
SHHH It's a Secret
Pupils 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.
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.
Curated OER
You Know the Answer
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...
PBS
Pbs Nova: Send a Coded Message Virtual Enigma
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.
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.