Learn the basics of code-breaking with fun examples and easy steps for kids aged 8. Understand how to decode simple messages and enjoy the challenge of cryptography!
Breaking a code is like being a detective! You look for clues and try to figure out what a secret message says. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you break a simple code.
A code is a way to hide a message by changing the letters or words. For example, if 'A' means '1', then 'B' means '2', and so on.
Ask someone to write a simple coded message. For example, they could write ‘DOLPHIN’ using a code where A=1, B=2, C=3, and so forth. So D=4, O=15, L=12, P=16, H=8, I=9, N=14.
Write down the code key so you know what number goes with each letter:
Now take the coded message and change each letter back into numbers using your key. For instance, ‘DOLPHIN’ would become ‘4-15-12-16-8-9-14’.
You can also try other ways to code messages, like moving letters forward or backward in the alphabet. For example, if you move each letter one step backward, ‘HELLO’ would become ‘GDKKN’.
Keep practicing by creating your own codes and trying to break them. The more you practice, the better you will become at figuring out secret messages!
Have fun being a code-breaker!