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Breaking the Code

Subjects

  • Mathematics
  • World History

Grades

  • 6-8
  • 9-12

Brief Description

Students learn about the importance of cryptography in World War II and create number-based codes.

Objectives

Students learn about the history and uses of cryptography and practice their math skills as they develop number-based codes.

Keywords

cryptography, enigma, math

Materials Needed

Print or online resources related to cryptography and World War II, such as

http://home.ecn.ab.ca/~jsavard/crypto/jscrypt.htm

Lesson Plan

Invite students to read print and/or online materials about the importance of cryptography in World War II and to explore Paper and Pencil Systems in A Cryptographic Compendium. Then have each student create a number-based code and write a message that will stump his or her classmates.

Assessment

Evaluate students on the creativity and math proficiency they demonstrate while developing their number-based codes.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Linda Starr

National Standards

World History:
NSS-WH.5-12.8

Mathematics:
NM.5-8.1
NM.5-8.8
NM.9-12.1
NM.9-12.8