CODES AND COMMUNICATION INQUIRY

Examining Historical Codes

DAY 1 ACTIVITY

15-20 Minutes

  • Examine historical codes

  • Decode a message

  • Paper or notebook

  • Writing tool

THIS WEEK

We’re thinking about

the question: 

"How can we communicate with others to share our thoughts and ideas?"

Your challenge this week is to connect to someone using a “Coded Message.”

Let's Get Started!

Do you know what these mean? 

Guess what? You just cracked a code!

Many amazing codes have been used throughout history.

code:

 

a system of signals, letters, numbers, or symbols used to send messages, sometimes secretly

CLICK TO EXPAND

Culper Spy Ring Code from the American Revolution


It may be hard for us to read this writing, but in 1778 this code was used to send secret messages to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. It has 763 numbers that are code for different words, names, and places.

Morse Code


This code was created to send messages by telegraph, which is a way to send sound messages far away through a wire. It uses short and long sounds (called dots and dashes) to make letters and numbers. It was used more often in the 1800s and 1900s.

Binary Code


This is a way for computers and electronics to talk to each other. It is made up of two numbers: “1” and “0.” Putting these numbers together in different ways is how computers send messages and information. 

Your challenge this week: Connect to someone using a “Coded Message.”
 

Today, you will read some coded messages!

Use this key...

...and try to solve these codes!

Want to learn more about codes?

 

You can read about the pigpen cipher, which turns a tic-tac-toe board into an easy-to-use and memorable code! 

Ready for Day 2?

On day 2, you will learn about Morse code and create a first draft of your "Coded Message."