Virtual STEM for Kids: Codes & Ciphers
This guide supports virtual STEM programs for children ages 6-12.
ACTIVITY: Apply your knowledge of ciphers to code/decode messages.
The Science Behind Secret Codes
The Caesar Cipher
Key Vocabulary:
Cipher: a secret way of writing text
Encrypt: convert plain text into a cipher or code
Decrypt: make a coded message understandable
Key: information used to encrypt or decrypt a cipher
Cryptogram: a puzzle with encrypted text
Code: a system of words, letters, images, numbers, or symbols used to replace other words/letters, etc.
Decode: translate/solve a coded message
- Language of EspionageVocabulary list from the International Spy Museum
- The Secret LanguageArticle by Ron Hipschman for Exploratorium
- Cryptography: The Science of Making and Breaking CodesYouTube video by SciShow (for advanced learners)
- The Secret World of Codes and Code BreakingArticle for NRICH through the University of Cambridge
- Cracking the CodeSpy Kids "briefing" on ciphers and codes.
- Frequencies in the English LanguageA list of commonly used letters and words
Create Invisible Ink!
Try different invisible ink formulas and upload a video of your secret message to the STEM for Kids Flipgrid!
Secret messages using water, salt, and crayons:
Heat-activated message using a lemon and heating device (parental supervision required)
Links
- Crypto Club Cipher ToolsCryptoClub.org is a website where students can learn and apply cryptography. It includes many tools for encrypting and decrypting.
- Crack the CodeCipher game by National Geographic Kids
- Rebus PuzzlesLearn to decode pictures with Rebus puzzles!
- Spy Kids - Central Intelligence AgencyPlay games about breaking codes and ciphers!
Recommended Books
Top Secret by Call Number: J 652.8 JANECZKOISBN: 0763609714Publication Date: 2004-04-12History, trivia, and interesting code-breaking tales are compiled in a guide book to the world of secret writing, their deciphers, and the impact such correspondents have had throughout the years.
Can You Crack the Code? by Call Number: J 652.8 SCHWARTZISBN: 9781681195148Publication Date: 2019-03-26Codes can carry big secrets! Throughout history, lots of good guys and lots of bad guys have used codes to keep their messages under wraps. This fun and flippable nonfiction features stories of hidden treasures, war-time maneuverings, and contemporary hacking as well as explaining the mechanics behind the codes in accessible and kid friendly forms. Sidebars call out activities that invite the reader to try their own hand at cracking and crafting their own secret messages. This is the launch of an exciting new series that invites readers into a STEM topic through compelling historical anecdotes, scientific backup, and DIY projects.
Also available in the following format(s):
Spy Codes and Ciphers by Call Number: J 652.8 MITCHELLISBN: 9780766037090Publication Date: 2012-01-01Can flashing lights send out a secret message? Did a famous spy use sketches of butterflies to hide messages? Can a digital photo hide a secret code? For centuries, spies have used many different ways to pass secret information. Codes and ciphers keep information safe from the enemy. Author Susan K. Mitchell uncovers the secrets to the amazing world of spy codes and ciphers.
