US History: Culper Spy Ring Code Activity

Bring Revolutionary War spy activity to life! This engaging hands-on activity lets students learn first-hand how Culper Code spies, like Anna Strong, communicated.

This download consists of 5 pages. The first three pages provide a brief background history of the Culper Code spies and an explanation for how the Culper Code works. It also includes excerpts from the Culper Code key (in alphabetical order and numerical order). The fourth page contains two activities.

1. Decipher/Decode - Students will be challenged to decipher/decode 5 coded messages. Answer key included on the 5th page.
2. Create Your Own Coded Messages - Space is provided for students to create their own code messages. Answers will vary based on students' work.

Students will love learning about the spy ring and trying to solve each other's coded messages.

Suggestions for use:

Use as a classroom activity.

Have students solve the first 5 on their own or in teams of 2.

Then give them time to write their own coded messages.

Have students write their message on the board and give students a chance to decipher.

Suggested optional reading/companion activity:

This pairs well with reading of books on the Cypher Code, such as "Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution" by Sarah Glenn Marsh.