Morse Code Madness
Dits-and-Dahs: -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. .
Purpose
From sign language, to road signs, to body movements, there are many forms of communication in the world. Even at a young age we know that certain shapes, symbols, and colors have special meaning in society. But secret codes rule when it comes to passing on very important information! One of the most important code systems invented is the internationally recognized Morse code, which matches dots and dashes to letters of the alphabet. Morse Code Day is celebrated on April 27th. Use your Science and Mathematical skills to break and make your own secret codes.
If you weren’t sure, the code above, both audio and dits-and-dahs, spell out Morse Code: --(M) ---(O) .-.(R) ...(S) .(E) /(Space) -.-.(C) ---(O) -..(D) .(E)
Materials
Pencil and paper to write the code
A table or object to tap the code (options of a wall, table, or window).
Headphones (optional)
Can You Crack the Code? (optional reading)
Steps
Step 1: Find a spot where you are comfortable and able to concentrate.
Step 2: Open the Morse Code Alphabet to familiarize yourself with the dot-dash patterns. It is important to note that dots represent short signals known as ‘dits’ and dashes represent long signals called ‘dahs.’ Each letter in the English alphabet is represented by a sequence of dits and dahs, and the interval of time between signals illustrates a pause between letters or words.
Step 3: When you are ready to test your skills with these three challenges below (answers are at the bottom):
Secret Message 1: .... . .-.. .-.. ---
Secret Message 2: .... --- .-- / .- .-. . / -.-- --- ..- ..--..
Secret Message 3: -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / .- .-- . ... --- -- . -.-.--
Step 4: Practice, practice, practice! Create your own “Secret Messages” with your family members. Or even send a picture of your message to a friend for them to crack. The more you practice writing and listening, the better you will become!
Step 5: If you feel confident and ready for a challenge, could you crack a code by using sound only? Listen to the code below and translate the message. When you think you have cracked our secret code, please post your answer on Social Media with these hashtags #ChallengeAccepted #SubaruLovesLearning or send us an email! Keep a lookout for the answer, we will post it to twitter next week.
To Do or Learn More:
Create your own Morse Code Bracelet!
Discover other codes in AAAS’ Science NetLinks Lesson: Patterns of Communication
Listen to weekly live streamed codes or take online training courses hosted by National Association For Amateur Radio
Translate any code with MorseCodeWorld’s Morse Code Translator
Inspired by the AAAS’ ScienceNetLinks Lesson: “Pattern’s of Communication.”