I’ve Got a Secret

Cryptology has nothing to do with crypts or coffins: it is the science of secret communication.  SHH! Uncover the secrets here.

CONNECT:

• Find out how cryptology has been used throughout history at http://www.cerias.purdue.edu/education/k-12/teaching_resources/lessons_presentations/cryptology.html
• Want to read hieroglyphs, see invisible ink, decode DNA? There are lots of fun code-related activities to try at

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/cracking-maya-code.html

• Improve your math skills by immersing yourself in the Crypto Club: http://www.cryptoclub.org/
• Did you know that spies existed in Elizabethan times? Relive history at http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/tudors/launch_gms_spying.shtml

CREATE:

• http://www.nsa.gov/kids/home.shtml: games and activities about codes and ciphers.
• Want to send messages secretly? Try these secret codes: http://youthonline.ca/spykids/.  Create your OWN secret code – but know that you need to share it with at least one other person.
• Want to try your hand as a computer programmer? Explore http://www.crunchzilla.com/code-monster
• Create and use a cypher wheel: http://www.topspysecrets.com/secret-codes-for-kids.html

CARE:

• October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but you should be tech-savvy trhoughout the year. Explore http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=346333 to learn about ways to keep your cyber presence private, and technology safer from hackers.
• Plan a Code Breaking Day by following the tips at http://www.mathsweek.ie/2012/puzzles/code-breaking-for-young-secret-agents
• Meet the female code-breakers of World War II at: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/11/world/europe/lifting-the-veil-of-secrecy-codebreakers/
• One reason that the U.S. won World War II was the unbreakable code of the Navajos. Uncover the secret of the code talkers at http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq61-2.htm

CAREERS:

So do you like puzzles, codes, secrets? You might want a career in cryptology and related themes. And don’t forget that computer programming is basically coding.

• Watch this CNN piece on coding careers: http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/12/opinion/rushkoff-write-code
• Spy on careers at the National Security Agency: http://www.nsa.gov/kids/home.shtml
• What about the CIA? https://www.cia.gov/careers