Codebusters
Division: Div C – High School
NC Essential Standards Alignment: None
Event Rules: See the National rule manual
Event Score Sheet: None
National Event Page: Here
Required Materials: Teams must bring writing utensils with an eraser and may bring up to three (3) stand-alone non-graphing, non-programmable, non-scientific 4-function or 5-function calculators.
Clarifications: None
Description:
Teams will decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques, or show skill with advanced ciphers by encrypting or decrypting a message.
Materials:
Teams must bring writing utensils with an eraser and may bring up to three (3) stand-alone non-graphing, non-programmable, non-scientific 4-function or 5-function calculators. No resource materials, except those provided by the event supervisor, may be used. The event supervisor will provide scratch paper for each team to use.
Scoring:
High score wins.
Common Mistakes:
None
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 tests instructional video
Codebusters 2019 Coaches Clinic Presentation (2018 Rules)
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 at http://toebes.com/Ciphers/Solving%20a%20K1%20Alphabet.htm.
Previous tests can be found at http://toebes.com/Ciphers/index.html
Cryptoclub
CIA – break the code
The Imitation Game
Cryptograms.org
Make your own codes:
Encode/Decode Tool: http://www.dcode.fr/hill-cipher
Media:
The STEM Yard podcast featuring an interview and Q&A with Event Leader John Toebes.