CODES AND COMMUNICATION INQUIRY
Examining Historical Codes
DAY 1 ACTIVITY
15-20 Minutes

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Examine historical codes
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Decode a message

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Paper or notebook
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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.

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."