Cracking the Code: High School Cryptology Program

Do you love puzzles, brain teasers, and secret codes? Are you fascinated by the role of ciphers and spies throughout history? Get out your decoder ring, because this is the program for you! We’ll start by deciphering the history of cryptology, one that begins almost as early as human writing. From Julius Caesar to the NSA, codes (and the people who crack them) have decided the fates of empires and nations. Together with your code-cracking peers, you’ll debate the ethics of spying and encryption, program in Python to create codes of your own, and explore the mathematical theory behind cryptography and cryptanalysis. Even better, you’ll explore Duke’s beautiful campus in the best possible way: through code-cracking relay races and scavenger hunts! Program Highlights: Interdisciplinary approach to learning about cryptology Statistics topics relevant to the new Common Core curriculum Introduction to computer programming in Python Application of theoretical mathematical concepts to real-world challenges Scavenger Hunts on Duke's campus Culminating team and individual projects Co-curricular social and recreational activities As well as providing a stimulating academic experience, this program will be fun! Once participants have gained some cryptological skills, they will challenge each other in code-cracking relay races and scavenger hunts that will lead them to explore Duke's beautiful campuses. Criteria This program is open to students who entered grades 9-11 in the 2019-2020 school year. Students should be passionate about learning in general, and possess a curiosity about writing and breaking codes. Ingenuity, patience, and persistence when faced with challenging problems will be crucial to having an enjoyable program experience. Having some skill in computer programming can be very useful, however, no prior experience is necessary. Students will be taught to program in Python using cryptology as the motivation for daily assignments. Students will need to be comfortable working both independently and in groups.