Cryptography, Codes, & Ciphers

Does your learner like solving puzzles and mysteries?  Then this class is just for them.  
Cryptography is the study of writing or solving codes.  Codes and ciphers have been used throughout history to pass along secret messages, which is exactly what we are going to learn how to do.
Learning about codes and ciphers is not only a ton of fun, but they can really help students stretch their thinking and analytical skills.  Additionally, encoding and decoding secret messages requires the use of higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  
Each week students will be introduced to a different type of code, cipher, or cryptogram and its history.  They will have it broken down step by step and then have the opportunity to practice encoding and decoding.    
Week 1 – Students will learn about the history of cryptology and be introduced to Morse Code
Week 2 – Students will learn about substitution ciphers including shift cipher, pig pen cipher, atbash
Week 3 – Students will learn about transposition ciphers including zig zag cipher, path cipher, 
Week 4 – Students will learn about cryptogram puzzles 
Students will want some paper and a pencil handy during each class, plus there will be handouts posted in the classroom prior to each class to help guide them through the encoding and decoding process.