This book study explores the book Can You Crack the Code? A Fascinating History of Ciphers and Cryptography by Ella Schwartz and Lily Williams. Participants will explore nonfiction stories of hidden treasures, war-time maneuverings, and contemporary hacking as well as explaining the mechanics behind the codes in accessible and kid friendly forms. The study consists of two live, virtual meetings and asynchronous reading assignments.
Event Details
Intended Audience
Book studies are intended for any/all K-12 Teachers, Computer Science Teachers, Media/Library Specialists and Resource/Tech Teachers interested in diving deeper into computer science books and increasing their pedagogy.
Session Details
Book studies will meet virtually two times, with asynchronous work in between meetings such as assigned chapter readings, reflections, and planning for classroom applications.
This book study will meet on Monday, March 8 and Thursday, May 6, 2027 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET.
Additional information about reading assignments and meeting zoom links will be shared to all registered attendees closer to the meeting dates.
A copy of the book is included for participants.
From the Author's Website
This perennially popular topic leads kids into tales of war and espionage, and to better ways of passing messages in class. Here Schwartz discusses the frequently traveled paths of the Caesar code, Masonic symbols, and the Enigma machine, with lots of opportunity to try one’s hand at en- and decryption, and she also explains how encryption is vital to internet security and touches all forms of online and cellular communication. Necessary math concepts used to strengthen passwords are smoothly addressed (and some teachers might be interested in Schwartz’s discussion of the practical use of prime numbers), along with such delectable tidbits as an illegal prime number that can unlock DVD encryption. Cartoon illustrations keep things cheery, as does Schwartz’s overall optimism concerning cybersecurity and the white hat hacking. For students interested in the interplay of encryption and their personal security.
Source: https://www.ellasbooks.com/books/can-you-crack-the-code/
Stipend, PGPs, Supplies
Indiana attendees are eligible for a $100 incentive after the book study is completed.
Workshop attendees will receive 6 PGP points.
This workshop is eligible for CSPDWeek Continuing Education.
All participants will receive a copy of the book at no cost. To support accessibility, alternate formats such as audiobooks are available upon request—please contact us if you would like to arrange one.
Who Should Attend?
Intended Audience
Book studies are intended for any/all K-12 Teachers, Computer Science Teachers, Media/Library Specialists and Resource/Tech Teachers interested in diving deeper into computer science books and increasing their pedagogy.
Date and Time
Session Details
Book studies will meet virtually two times, with asynchronous work in between meetings such as assigned chapter readings, reflections, and planning for classroom applications.
This book study will meet on Monday, March 8 and Thursday, May 6, 2027 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET.
Additional information about reading assignments and meeting zoom links will be shared to all registered attendees closer to the meeting dates.
A copy of the book is included for participants.
More About This Book
From the Author's Website
This perennially popular topic leads kids into tales of war and espionage, and to better ways of passing messages in class. Here Schwartz discusses the frequently traveled paths of the Caesar code, Masonic symbols, and the Enigma machine, with lots of opportunity to try one’s hand at en- and decryption, and she also explains how encryption is vital to internet security and touches all forms of online and cellular communication. Necessary math concepts used to strengthen passwords are smoothly addressed (and some teachers might be interested in Schwartz’s discussion of the practical use of prime numbers), along with such delectable tidbits as an illegal prime number that can unlock DVD encryption. Cartoon illustrations keep things cheery, as does Schwartz’s overall optimism concerning cybersecurity and the white hat hacking. For students interested in the interplay of encryption and their personal security.
Source: https://www.ellasbooks.com/books/can-you-crack-the-code/
What Teachers Will Receive
Stipend, PGPs, Supplies
Indiana attendees are eligible for a $100 incentive after the book study is completed.
Workshop attendees will receive 6 PGP points.
This workshop is eligible for CSPDWeek Continuing Education.
All participants will receive a copy of the book at no cost. To support accessibility, alternate formats such as audiobooks are available upon request—please contact us if you would like to arrange one.