The Pig Pen cipher, also known as the Masonic Cipher, is a simple yet effective cryptosystem that has been around since the 18th century. It has been popularly used by Freemasons, who had to share secret communications while maintaining confidentiality. Teaching students about the Pig Pen cipher provides them with not only an engaging lesson in cryptography but also offers a glimpse into history.
The Art of Cryptography
Cryptography involves the practice of secure communication, where the sender and receiver of a message both understand its contents, but not potential eavesdroppers. Teaching students to use and decode ciphers can develop their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and pattern recognition. The Pig Pen cipher offers an excellent starting point to introduce cryptography because it is easy to learn and apply.
A Glimpse into History
Teaching students about the Pig Pen cipher can offer insights into world history, specifically during the age of Freemasons. The secretive organization, established during the 1600s in Europe, played a crucial role in shaping societal development during that time. Discussing the relevance of Pig Pen cipher within Freemason history will not only enhance students’ understanding of cryptography but also enrich their knowledge of European history and secret societies.
Teaching the Pig Pen Cipher
Introduce students to the simple grid system used in creating and deciphering messages using the Pig Pen cipher. The method consists of two grids:
1. A 4×4 square grid containing letters A-Z (omitting J or V) with each letter being surrounded by either a clockwise or counterclockwise bounding shape (a clockwise square or triangle for one grid and a counterclockwise rectangle or circle for the other).
2. A tic-tac-toe styled grid containing letters I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P with each letter being surrounded by similar clockwise/counterclockwise shapes as the first grid.
Demonstrate to students how each letter can be represented by the portion of the grid that forms a particular shape around it. Provide examples and encourage students to practice using both grids to encode and decode messages.
Interactive Games and Activities
Include interactive games and activities during your lesson that will enable students to apply their newfound Pig Pen cipher skills. One example can be an in-class scavenger hunt where students create coded messages and provide encrypted clues for their classmates, leading them toward hidden objects within the classroom.
An additional activity can involve students working in pairs or groups to share encrypted messages, which they must decode in order to answer questions about history or other class topics.
Conclusion
Teaching the Pig Pen cipher offers an exciting opportunity to introduce cryptography concepts and illuminate notable moments in world history. By combining detailed instruction, engaging activities, and historical context, teachers can provide a meaningful experience blending cryptic communication practices and historical understanding. In doing so, students will discover an appreciation for the power of cryptography and its role in shaping societies – past and present.
