STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday– Cryptography (Math)/Spy Science– In the Classroom

By on December 10, 2024   /   Cryptography/Spy Science, STEM Tuesday  

In my former career, I worked with communications and communication security (which included cryptography). It is a topic that will always be near and dear to my heart. This month, I read the following books:

 

How to Be an International Spy book

How to Be an International Spy by Andy Briggs

This book covers lots of different topics associated with being a spy. The science around it all ranges from psychology to quantum physics. It includes lots of practice activities to help you fully engage in the topic.

 

Top Secret Science Book

Top Secret Science: Projects You’re Not Supposed to Know About by Jennifer Swanson

If you’re looking more for the history of secret projects, this is the book for you. It looks at a variety of programs that were run in secret.

 

Can You Crack the Code book

Can You Crack the Code? by Ella Schwartz and Lily Williams

If your goal is to learn how to create and crack secret codes, you might want to check out this book. It does a great job of covering the major cryptography methods. There are lots of secret codes to practice with, too.

 

 

Rather than making up activities to go along with these books, I want to share some of the fabulous resources that are already out there that would pair well with this month’s theme.

Check out “The Farm”

The CIA may be a secretive organization, but they’ve got an online presence. There are stories, games, activities, and other things for young readers to explore on their CIA Spy Kids site: https://www.cia.gov/spy-kids/games

They’ve also developed lesson plans for teachers: https://www.cia.gov/spy-kids/parents-teachers

Delve into Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity ensures that electronic devices are protected from criminal or unauthorized use. There are lots of career opportunities in cybersecurity, so it’s a great topic to learn more about.

The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance & Security (a.k.a. UTSA CIAS) has lots of resources for teachers and students on their website. Their activities cover grades K through 12. Here’s their main page: https://cias.utsa.edu/k-12

Their Cyber Games are found here: https://cias.utsa.edu/k-12/cybersecurity-games

Microsoft and Minecraft teamed together to provide resources for teaching cybersecurity, too. Check that out here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/blog/2023/10/elevate-cybersecurity-expertise-with-microsoft-and-minecraft-education

Learn About Public Key Encryption

Public Key Encryption is used to secure many different types of transactions on the internet, from email to online store payments. This video from PBS NOVA labs does a great job of explaining at a high level how public key encryption works: https://youtu.be/5xI4IJbHDiM?si=mM6cZJdTDUjeqVOs

NOVA Labs also has a cybersecurity game online: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/cyber – there is an educator guide to go along with it.

Cryptography in History

Pretty much all the books this month talk about the long history of secret-keeping (and cryptography to help with that). Here are some web sites that explore cryptography in history.

“The Secret Code of Lewis and Clark” activity: https://lewisandclarktrail.com/legacy/secretcode.htm

“Cryptology in the American Revolution” videos from NSA’s National Cryptologic Museum:
https://youtu.be/0smfiPWSHCQ?si=0ATj8hRevfpze0vo
https://youtu.be/WXEX7xFIz9E?si=AWh8GF4B7yD1Uo35

The National Cryptologic Museum also has videos on Steganography, Ciphers, or Visual Signaling during the American Revolution. For these and other videos, check out this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWvkfYC3snpVYffYpKwjsbxwDO9IaNli7&si=3mYvmWEirAtp035P

More Resources

There are lots of cryptography and spy-related museums and websites out there to explore. Here are a few more you might want to check out.

The Spy Museum in Washington, DC: https://www.spymuseum.org – if you can’t get there in person, they also have some resources and activities online. They even have a podcast and a YouTube channel.

In the New York City area, there is the Washington Spy Trail. This includes a series of historic sites on Long Island that are associated with George Washington’s circle of spies during the Revolutionary War. If you’re lucky, you can tour some sites in person. If not, you can learn about some of it online: https://washingtonspytrail.com

You can learn more about American Civil War spies online: https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/spies.htm – each spy is associated with at least one National Park.


Janet Slingerland has written more than 20 books for children. Her book History’s Forgotten War Stories – https://www.12storylibrary.com/non-fiction/hidden-history/forgotten-war-stories-history – includes secrets and spies. To find out more about Janet and her books, check out her website – http://janetsbooks.com

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STEM Tuesday– Spy Science and Cryptography– Book List

By on December 3, 2024   /   Cryptography/Spy Science, STEM Tuesday  

From ancient ciphers to modern-day digital encryption techniques, this month’s book list explores the science, technology, engineering, and math that make code-making (and code-breaking) possible.

 

 

 

 

The Enigma Girls written by Candace Fleming

It all began with a letter in an unmarked envelope received by ten teenage girls. It was World War II, and the British were desperate to break the German Enigma code. Instead of turning to cryptographers, these women were responsible for Bletchley Park, a well-kept secret operating under the code name Station X. Award winning author Candace Fleming spins an engaging narrative based on true facts.

 

 

Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis’ Secret Code by Rebecca Barone

Rebecca Barone jumps across the European continent to trace the history of the Enigma machine, an encryption device invented by the Germans and thought to be unbreakable. Barone highlights the international collaboration among Polish, French, and British spies and codebreakers that made it possible to break the Enigma cipher and secure victory for the Allies during World War II. This well-researched nonfiction book reads like a spy novel, and readers will be riveted from the first page to the last.

 

 

Can You Crack the Code?  written by Ella Schwartz and illustrated by Lily Williams

This book focuses on the history of ciphers and codes. It’s well laid out with great illustrations and would be a great fit for aspiring cryptographers and anyone who loves secret codes, ciphers, and puzzles. It includes historical stories and explanations on how letters, numbers, and symbols can translate into understandable text. The book also features sample codes to solve yourself and resources at the end.

 

 

Create Your Own Secret Language written by David J. Peterson and illustrated by Ryan Goldsberry

This how-to book will help children learn how to create their own secret language, codes, ciphers, and hidden messages. David J. Peterson is an expert language creator who invented languages for Game of Thrones, the Marvel Universe, and more. KIds can learn how to communicate in secret whether it’s written, drawn, or spoken. The illustrations are especially useful.

 

 

 

Code Cracking for Kids by Jean Daigneau

Another essential volume about codes and ciphers, this book provides a comprehensive history of “secret writing,” from hieroglyphics and invisible ink to ciphers, bar codes, and semaphores. Sprinkled throughout the text are instructions for 21 hands-on activities that give aspiring cryptologists a chance to try their hand at making and breaking their own codes.

 

 

CodeBreakers by DK Publishing

This book provides an overview of the greatest code makers and code-breakers in history through easy to read stories to engage young readers. Examples are deciphering the Rosetta Stone and cracking the Enigma code during World War II. The book includes a reference section with key facts, timelines, and a glossary of terms. It’s easy to navigate with eye popping illustrations.

 

 

Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers by Lee Francis IV, Roy Boney Jr., Arigon Starr, Jonathan Nelson, Renee Nejo, and Lee Francis III

Created by six Native American authors and illustrators, this fascinating graphic novel tells the history of Native American code talkers in the United States military. While the Navajo code talkers of World War II are the best known, this book sheds light on the many other tribes who served in Navy, Army, and Marines, beginning with the Cherokee and Choctaw during World War I. Because tribal languages were not based in Latin or written down, they became the basis for an unbreakable code that led to victories in both world wars. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in codes and cryptography!

 

 

Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases Revisited by Crispin Boyer

This book is essentially a kid-focused encyclopedia covering a slew of interesting and historical information in a fun and creative way, from Egyptian hieroglyphics to gaming nomenclature. Young readers will learn tricks of the spy trade, get the scoop behind sleuthing, and discover all kinds of skills, like how ninjas walked on water. The texts are easy to read and are paired with engaging pictures and illustrations.

 

 

 

How to Be an International Spy by Andy Briggs

Structured as a training manual for wannabe spies, this engaging book contains factoids about intelligence agencies around the world, demystifies the lingo used in espionage, and features profiles of real spies from history. There are extensive sections devoted to cryptography, digital espionage and cybersecurity, high-tech tools (including instructions for how to make your own), and even tips and tricks for conducting surveillance and going off the grid.

 

 

 

Top Secret Science: Projects You’re Not Supposed to Know About by Jennifer Swanson

Scientists have been on the front lines of secret projects throughout history, from encryption to weapons development to human experimentation. Part of the Scary Science series, the six short chapters in this easy-to-read book introduce readers to the Manhattan Project, Operation Vegetarian, Nazi experimentation, and more.

 

 

 

This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Author Lydia Lukidis

 

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023), which is a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. A science enthusiast from a young age, she now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

author Callie Dean

 

Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. She writes stories that spark curiosity and encourage kids to explore their world. Her first picture book will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

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STEM Tuesday — Human Body– Author Interview

By on November 26, 2024   /   Human Body, STEM Tuesday  

I’m delighted to welcome Rachel Poliquin to the STEM Tuesday blog today. She has written a fabulous book about the body, but there’s a really cool twist. You’ll see…

Rachel Poliquin author

The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers book

“Kids and adult alike will love poring over the different sections of this book and will delight in informing their friends and family members of the facts they’ve learned.”—School Library Journal ★

A perfect book for engaging kids in STEM: This illustrated tour of our “leftover” body parts (like the appendix, or even goosebumps) introduces readers age 7-11 to the bizarre and fascinating science of evolution.

Welcome to the weirdest museum you’ll ever explore—the one inside your body.

Did you know your amazing, incredible body is a walking, talking museum of evolution? In The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers, tour guides Wisdom Tooth and Disappearing Kidney lead readers through a wacky museum dedicated to vestigial structures: body parts that were essential to our ancestors but are no longer useful to us—even though they’re still hanging around.

Engaging, hilarious, and a visual treat, The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers is a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

 

Welcome to STEM Tuesday, Rachel. We are delighted to chat with you! 

JS: How did you get the idea to write this awesome book?

RQ: An editor at Greystone actually pitched me the idea. Vestigial organs for kids? It sounded perfectly quirky, and of course I said yes.

JS: Did you have fun researching this?  

RQ: When I began writing the book, I knew nothing about evolution beyond the basics. I had no idea where to begin! But there is nothing I like more than knowing absolutely nothing about a subject. Once I decided to write the book as a museum of human evolution, I had to do a very deep dive to figure out which creatures were the first or last to have a particular trait so they could be part of the exhibits. I became a little obsessed with an evolution podcast called Common Descent. I’d listen to it for hours while I walked around my neighbourhood.

But this book will always have a special place in my heart.  I was finishing writing in March and April of 2020, just at the beginning of Covid when the world had shut up tight and no one knew what was happening.  I was reaching out to academics and researchers around the world—Belgium, New York, Japan, Mexico—to help me understand the science, and of course we talked about the situation in their countries and how they were coping. It helped me feel very connected in a time of isolation.

 

JS: What is your favorite “Odd Body Part”?

RQ: That a hard one!  I’m not sure.  Of course I love Disappearing Kidney, but I also really love all the theories about why humans lost their fur. Fur isn’t preserved in the same way bones are, so no one really knows. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE how Clayton illustrated the Survivor Hair theories as movie posters. These still crack me up everything time.

JS: What would you like readers to get out of this book?

RQ: Obviously, I’d love them to have a better understand of evolution and how all living creatures are connected. But I also tried to highlight that science and our understanding of the world is not all set and done. Scientific theories are constantly in motion and scientists are constantly discovering new things and thinking about the world in new ways—in other words, there is plenty of room for young scientists to make their mark.

JS: How would you like teachers/librarians to use this book?

RQ: The details of the science aren’t as important for kids to remember as the big picture, and I would love teachers to get really creative and maybe even incorporate the book into an art project.  Clayton has so many different sorts of museum displays in the book, which could be the basis of all sorts of kooky projects. All the bits and pieces in Museum Storage are all vestigial organs that didn’t make it into the book. I would love to see how kids would turn those into exhibits!

JS: Can you give any tips to writers who want to break into nonfiction children’s books?

RQ: I think I’ve been successful as a non-fiction writer because I write about things no one else has written about or things people assume are uninteresting or boring. I truly believe everything is fascinating, if only you look at it the right way.  I also think the best non-fiction books create worlds that are just as compelling and magical as fictional worlds. I really struggle with the “non-fiction” title, actually.  We all know what fiction is: imagination, fantastic worlds, cool characters, illustrations, fun.  So what that does make “non-fiction”?  I try to blur that divide in my books and build worlds for my readers to step into, which I really hope will ignite their curiosity and imagination about the world around them. Also, never underestimate kids!  They are so much smarter than we were!

JS: What are you working on now? 

RQ: We are just finishing up a follow-up to Museum of Odd Body Leftovers. It’s called The Gland Factory: A Tour of Your Body’s Goops, Juices, and Hormones. I was lucky enough work with Clayton Hanmer again and the same amazing team at Greystone Books. Clayton did such a knock-out job on this one. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.

That sounds AMAZING! Congrats on the new book and I can’t wait to see it! 

Be sure to check out Rachel’s other works at her website https://www.rachelpoliquin.com/

And see her latest books below!

The Strangest Thing in the Sea book I am Wind book

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