Turn your students into code breakers! This engaging 8-worksheet series challenges students to decode real messages about famous figures in computer science using four classic substitution ciphers — Random Substitution, Caesar Cipher, Atbash, and ROT-13. Each decoded message reveals the story of a pioneer like Grace Hopper, Alan Turing, or Katherine Johnson, connecting cryptography with history and computational thinking.

What's Included?

🔹 8 Decoding Worksheets – Each features a unique cipher and a hidden biography of a real computer science pioneer.

🔹 Color-Coded Cipher Reference Sheet – Students use this guide to identify which cipher to apply for each worksheet.

🔹 Hint Sheets for Differentiation – Teacher-distributed mid-activity to support struggling learners without giving away the answer.

🔹 Complete Answer Key – Includes full cipher keys and decoded text for all 8 worksheets.

🔹 Four Cipher Types Covered – Random Substitution, Caesar Cipher (Shift 3 & 7), Atbash, and ROT-13.

🔹 Free Online Cipher Tool – Students can practice and experiment with all four ciphers digitally at bit.ly/cipheredu — perfect for early finishers or extension activities!

This resource is perfect for computer science classes, STEM clubs, gifted learners, and anyone looking to make cryptography hands-on and meaningful. Students practice logical thinking, pattern recognition, and learn about real trailblazers in tech — all at the same time!

Standards Alignment:

CSTA 1B-AP-11 – Decompose problems into steps using algorithms

CSTA 2-AP-10 – Use flowcharts and pseudocode to design algorithms

CSTA 1B-IC-21 – Discuss computing contributions by diverse individuals

Common Core ELA – RI.4–8.3 (Explain events/concepts in informational text)

Common Core Math – MP.7 (Look for and make use of structure)