1. Cryptology in the U.S.—Then and Now
Meghan Kimber

2. Target Population and Objective
This V.F.T. is intended for high school or college level math students interested in Cryptology
Students taking this V.F.T. should be able to:
Discuss what Cryptology is about
Talk about various tools or methods used in Cryptology
Note a few times in history that cryptology has been used and whether or not that was successful

3. Cryptology is…
the study of mathematical, linguistic, and other coding patterns and histories
The word Cryptology comes from the Greek word kryptos, which means hidden and logos, which means word. It is the branch of science that deals with secret communications.

4. Codes Are Used to…
Encrypt personal information as it travels through the WWW. For example, bank account information, social security number or pin numbers.
Aid branches of the military and government in keeping secret matters secret.
Send a friend a secret message.

5. Early Cryptology
Travel to this website to read about early cryptology. Answer the following questions:
1) Who invented the first substitution cipher?
2) Who established the first military cryptography?
3) What did the English monk Roger Bacon do?

6. Tools that Code and Decode

7. Cryptology Used in U.S. History
Visit the National Cryptologic Museum exhibits and look around!
1) Who were the Code Talkers? Did they have a successful program?
2) How did the German Enigma work? Was it successful?
3) How is cryptography involved with postal metering?

8. Sending Secret Messages to Friends
Check out this website where you can send a coded message to a friend.
1) Send a coded message to a friend
2) Make your own code by assigning a number to a letter in the alphabet. Use the numbers to write your message and give your friend the code to crack it.

9. Sources Definition of Cryptology
The Science of Secret Codes and Ciphers
Published Works on Cryptology
Early Cryptology
National Cryptologic Museum
Mike’s Math Club Secret Code
The Problem Site (check of the different codes and try a game)