Ciphers and Codes

Easier - A code is a system of symbols, letters, words, or signals that are used instead of ordinary words and numbers to send messages or store information. A code is used to keep the message short or to keep it secret.

Harder - Codes and ciphers are forms of secret communication. A code replaces words, phrases, or sentences with groups of letters or numbers, while a cipher rearranges letters or uses substitutes to disguise the message. The technology of such secret communication is called cryptology.

So here's some codes that you might enjoy!

Pig Pen Cipher

Hiding your message behind a mask

Want to send a secret message that only your best friend can read? Try this code.
YOU WILL NEED
• Two pieces of paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
Put two pieces of paper together and cut identical windows in both to make identical "masks." (See Step 1 illustration.)
Mark "top" on each.
Give one to a friend.
Put your mask over a blank paper and write your message by placing a word or words in each window.
Remove the mask and add more words to hide your message. (See Step 5 illustration.)
Your friend can read the message using the other mask.

Inchwords

YOU WILL NEED
• a piece of paper
• pencil or pen
• ruler
HERE'S HOW
Lay the ruler across the paper. Print your message in capital letters, placing each letter above the inch and the half-inch marks on the ruler. (See the picture above.)
Circle the last letter of your message.
Then, to confuse snoopers, fill in other letters between the letters of your message so that they form other words. The words shouldn't have anything to do with the real message.
To read the message, your friend places a ruler under the line of words, with the circle letter over an inch or a half-inch mark and copies off the letters at each inch and half-inch interval.

Paper folding code

Fold one paper in half. (See the picture above.) Then fold the halves back to make quarters.
Write the message so the words read across the panels. Jumble the message with extra words.
You can also fold a piece of paper into quarters and write a vertical message on the creases. (See the pictures at left.) Then add a false message around the real one.

There are lots of other neat codes and ciphers like the Ottendorf or Arnold cipher is a book cipher, was used in the movie National Treasure, the Ottendorf is really hard to make and decode I personally love that one and have used it on more than one occasion, but I'll show you how to use it in a later post!

SPY OUT!!!!!!!!1

Special Thanks to National Geographic Kids Magazine and Website