by Marianne Watson

Introduction · What is a code? · Code-Breaking Activities · 'Uncrackable' code · Conclusion · Request to Teachers

Introduction

Codes can be fun for sending a 'secret message', but do they have any real use in every day communication?

Web Activities

What is a code?

Morse Code

Boatswain's Whistle

International Code and Semaphore Flags

Phonetic Alphabet

Pyrates Code

Try out each of the links provided. Five are codes and one is not.

Which ones do you think are codes and why?

What would you class the other one as being?

What use do you think these codes have today?

Codes and Ciphers

Discusses reasons for using written codes.

Morse Code

Information from Wikipedia.

Why were codes invented?

Do you think codes are an effective way of communicating? Why or why not?

Try these code-breaking activities:

Crack the Code

From National Geographic - your mission is to crack the code to find out where the thieves are taking the loot.

Send a Coded Message

From PBS (Public Broadcasting System) - based on the infamous German message-coding machine from World War 2, the Enigma.

Are they both codes?  Why or why not?

'Uncrackable' code

The Navajo Code Talkers of WW2

Includes audio of the code, a timeline, photo gallery and dictionary.

Cryptology: Navajo Code Talkers in World War II

Information from the Naval Historic Centre in Washington.

Why was it important for the military to have secret codes during World War 2?

Why was the Navajo Code Talkers' code never cracked?

Describe a situation today where you think it would be important to have such a code.

Conclusion

Definition of Digital

From Wikipedia.

Are Web Transactions Safe?

Discusses a code used by Mary, Queen of Scots, and the encryption of credit card numbers on the internet.

The Language of SMS

Includes an award winning SMS poem txtin iz messin.

After you have explored these sites, review your previous answers and revise them as you see fit.  Reflect on your reasons for making or not making changes.

Hold a community of inquiry about the possible use of codes in the future.  Focus questions could include:

• What impact could the language of SMS have on 'ordinary' language? 
  Consider both written and spoken language.

• What would happen if someone found a way to crack 128-bit encryption?

A brainstorm could be used to identify other questions to be covered in the community of inquiry.

EXTRA

The Evolution of Communication

Includes a timeline and many different forms of communication, including some codes.

REQUEST TO TEACHERS: 

If you use this Web Quest with your class, could you please complete the Reflections Sheet?  The feedback provided will assist me to fine-tune the unit.  Thank you.

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Created by Marianne Watson
LABQuest
E-mail: Marianne.Watson@education.tas.gov.au

Website: www.maritimetas.org/schools.htm