The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes

Join the Cryptokids as they apply basic mathematics to make and break secret codes. This book has many hands-on activities that have been tested in both classrooms and informal settings. Classic coding methods are discussed, such as Caesar, substitution, Vigen and multiplicative ciphers as well as the modern RSA. Math topics covered include: - Addition and Subtraction with, negative numbers, decimals, and percentages - Factorization - Modular Arithmetic - Exponentiation - Prime Numbers - Frequency Analysis.The accompanying workbook, The Cryptoclub Workbook: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes provides students with problems related to each section to help them master the concepts introduced throughout the book. A PDF version of the workbook is available at no charge on the download tab, a printed workbook is available for $19.95 (K00701). The teacher manual can be requested from the publisher by contacting the Academic Sales Manager, Susie Carlisle

Janet Beissinger is a research assistant professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago's Institute for Mathematics and Science Education. She helped develop the widely used Math Trailblazers curriculum for grades K-5. Vera Pless, also a professor at UIC, is the author of Introduction to Coding Theory and has published over 100 papers.