CryptoClub Curriculum
The CryptoClub materials teach cryptography as an application of mathematics topics from the middle-grade curriculum.
The CryptoClub Cipher Handbook
Authors: Janet Beissinger and Bonnie Saunders
Publisher: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
See the Table of Contents (pdf)
The CryptoClub Cipher Handbook is the centerpiece of the CryptoClub curriculum. It is a student reference and workbook that is recommended for use in informal learning environments such as afterschool and enrichment programs. It introduces ciphers in a way that encourages problem solving and reasoning and provides engaging messages to encrypt, decrypt and crack. The Cipher Handbook can be used with whole-class instruction or with self-paced work in small groups.
The CryptoClub Leader Manual
Authors: Janet Beissinger and Bonnie Saunders
Publisher: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
The CryptoClub Leader Manual accompanies the CryptoClub Cipher Handbook and helps teachers lead a CryptoClub program. It provides suggestions for teaching, along with an answer key, and discusses connections to middle-grade mathematics. It also describes games and activities that provide students with additional practice in an engaging, informal way.
The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes
Authors: Janet Beissinger and Vera Pless
Publisher: CRC Press
The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes follows the story of the Cryptokids as they teach themselves about cryptography and mathematics. This book is well-suited for use by independent learners and homeschoolers. In addition to the six ciphers covered in the CryptoClub Cipher Handbook, it includes a chapter on the widely-used RSA cipher. It has additional chapters on modular arithmetic, factorization, and exponents, and describes historical connections to cryptography.
CryptoClub.org
CryptoClub.org is a website where students can learn and apply cryptography. It includes many tools for encrypting and decrypting, messages to crack, games to enjoy, comics to read, and a system of digital badges students can earn for their accomplishments on the site. There are also tools for teachers to create activities for their students.