Codebusters

Division: B – Middle School

NGSS Standard: MS-ETS1-2

Event Rules: See the National Rules Manual

National Event Page: Here

Description:

Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advance ciphers. 

Materials:

Teams must bring writing utensils and may bring up to three stand-alone, non-graphing, non-programmable, non-scientific 4-function or 5-function calculators.  No resource materials may be used.  The Event Leader will provide scratch paper and a resource sheet for each team member with the Morse Code Table, English/Spanish letter frequencies, Porta Table, Baconian mappings and modulus inverse tables as needed for the questions on the exam.  

Scoring:

High score wins.

Recommendations:

This event allows up to 3 team members.  Teams are allowed to divide and conquer the test.

Event Resources:

User guide for Codebusters – 45 pages of resources!
Online Interactive test instructional video
Codebusters 2019 Coaches Clinic Presentation (2018 Rules)
Codebusters Coaches Institute Notes
Codebusters Test Tools
The State event supervisor for Codebusters has set up a twitter handle to send out tips and tricks.  @NCSO_cb
Important update from the Coaches institute.  The K2 alphabet hint is actually a K1 alphabet hint.  Everything described works the same, just the label is a K1 instead of K2.  You can read on how to solve with a K1 alphabet and find previous at http://toebes.com/Ciphers/index.html
Cryptoclub
CIA – break the code
The Imitation Game
Cryptograms.org
Test Builder Demo

Make your own codes:

Media:

The STEM Yard podcast featuring an interview and Q&A with Event Leader John Toebes.