Students will learn about a wide variety of code-making techniques, ranging from ancient uses of images and numbers to modern complex encryptions.

While we do not cover a sensitive topic, I do want to discuss my expertise.  I have been teaching forensic science up through the college level since 2005, and have been heavily involved in cryptologic analysis for roughly 7 years.  In February of 2022, I submitted an exhaustive cryptanalysis of the entire body of Zodiac writings to the FBI for review.  Based on this work, which has never been completed previously, I believe it is reasonable to state that I am the leading expert of the Zodiac's use of ancient cryptologic techniques.

Homework Offered
Students will have the opportunity to solve short ciphers and coded messages between class sessions.  I will provide the encoded messages which I will create with the methods we discuss in class.  This work is not graded, unless families choose to have a graded option.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learner progress is generally assessed through informal assessment of participation in discussions (including chat involvement).  For families who want or need a letter grade, I will provide an option to do that.
Grades Offered

While it is not required for class, students who are highly interested in cryptology may want to get a copy of David Kahn's "The Codebreakers."  This should be available at many libraries.  It has many editions, and I have gotten an older copy (which was a goldmine for a cryptologic analysis I completed).  Again, though this is not required.