The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes [Paperback]

Janet Beissinger (Author), Vera Pless (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

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, Vigenère, 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 Cryptoclub presents a number of different systems of encryption and methods of breaking them. Each type of cipher is presented in detail and exercises are included allowing students to apply the techniques presented. The Cryptoclub also includes short descriptions of famous examples of secret codes, including the Beale Ciphers, the Zimmerman telegram, and the German Enigma cipher. The accompanying workbook provides students with problems related to each section to help them master the concepts introduced throughout the book. A PDF version is available at no charge from the publishers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Cryptoclub is intended for middle-school students, and could be used for classroom teaching or as a supplemental or recreational book for students interested in cryptography. However, the potential appeal is much broader: the simplest ciphers could be solved by a child in grade school, and much of The Cryptoclub can be enjoyed by adults as well. --MAA Reviews

The Cryptoclub is more than just a "math book": a story line is woven around each type of code, making it more interesting for students. This book could serve as a resource for enrichment or gifted programs [and] could easily be incorporated into a cross-curricular thematic unit. --Teaching Children Mathematics

The Cryptoclub is very clearly written and illustrated, in full color, and clearly laid out. I truly enjoyed The Cryptoclub. It is SO interesting! How could you lay a book down when there is a secret message to unravel! ... This book is perfect for motivating teenagers interest in math. It lets them study something fascinating outside the main curriculum cryptography which is at the same time a highly useful application of math. --Homeschool Math

About the Author

Janet Beissinger is a coauthor of the K-5 mathematics curriculum Math Trailblazers. She received a Ph.D. in mathematics in 1981 from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research has been in combinatorics and in mathematics education, and she has 20 years experience in teacher training and curriculum design. She is a professor at the Institute for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Vera Pless is the author of Introduction to the Theory of Error-correcting Codes, a coauthor of Fundamentals of Error-correcting Codes, and has published over 100 papers. She received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 1957. Since 1975 she has been a professor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: AK Peters, Ltd. (August 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156881223X
• ISBN-13: 978-1568812236
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Math Games

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming book!, December 6, 2007

By 

Mary Pearson (Atherton, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes (Paperback)

This is an engrossing story with terrific illustrations. Even kids who think they do not like math will enjoy this charming book. We especially enjoyed learning a little about the history of secret codes as we read the book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Structured and challenging intro to cryptography, January 24, 2011

By 

Mark M. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes (Paperback)

This is not a cheap item, but worth every penny: the book provides a thorough introduction to fundamental concepts in cryptography, presented in the context of a narrative about a group of friends. The book is highly structured, and the reader progresses with each successive chapter from simple Cesar ciphers, to more complex codes. Detailed descriptions of each cipher (and its history) are supplemented by examples, fact boxes, and exercises. The later chapters contain an introduction to modular arithmetic. Math-related themes are highlighted throughout, hence its subtitle.

I used this book with my ten-year-old son, who was captivated by Vignere ciphers, while the chapter on modular ciphers proved too lengthy for an afternoon's entertainment. Cesar and substitution ciphers may be usefully combined with a lesson on simple PERL scripts, to take the pain out of en- or decoding each letter individually in longer messages.

Summing up: highly recommended for ages 10 and up.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Think A=Z, B=Y Substitution Cipher, May 16, 2009

By 

Steven Rossellini (Twin Cities, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes (Paperback)

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