EXTRA CREDIT - SHENANIGANS #3

• this extra credit project is worth 10 points •

It is so nice and easy when you can just whisper a secret into a friend’s ear. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In the world of magic, there are many secrets we can’t say out loud or they could be overheard. We also can’t just write them down or they might be read by the wrong people. For these reasons, students of our school are taught a simple code we use with each other and are allowed to teach to our non-magic friends and family who will keep it secret.

This shenanigan is important if you have a secret message you want to send to someone.

The secret code is based on those little letters that are underneath the numbers on your phone’s number pad. Here’s how it works.

Look at the number 2. It has ABC underneath it. So when you use a 2 in your code, it will stand for one of these letters.

If you type .2 that dot means the letter on the left (A).

If you type 2 with no dot it’s the letter in the middle (B).

If you type 2. it’s the letter on the right (C).

You will notice the letters 7 and 9 have 4 letters under them. You use the same dot pattern for these but if the code is:

7 with no dot means the letter is Q or R.

9 with no dot means the letter is X or Y.

You have to deduce which one is correct by decoding the rest of the message. Here are three messages for you to decode. You use a slash (/) between words.

MESSAGE #1

4 4. / .7 7 3 7. 5. 3 9

MESSAGE #2

4. / .2 .6 / 2 8 7. 9

MESSAGE #3

9 6. 8 / .2 7 3 / 2. 8 .8 3

Now it’s your turn. Write a message in secret code. Send it to your Muggle Helper and see if she can decode it. And, remember, you do have permission to teach this code to friends you trust.

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Ask your Muggle Helper if you have questions or need assistance. Best of luck!

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