Decoding Randomness

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The problem of finding patterns in the apparent randomness is presented to us from the early childhood. When parents speak different words, these words are just some random sounds for an infant. But after the months of exposure, when the toddler is able to decode the pattern, she can understand the meaning of those words. So, in a sense, the language is just a code, a known code.




Ciphers are the codes that are not known to everyone. Decoding these ciphers requires finding common patterns and making sense of the randomness. The ‘dancing men’ cipher may not be obvious to Dr. Watson, but through the eyes of Sherlock Holmes the pattern is evident. For Watson, the ‘dancing men’ are merely some random drawing by a child. And it’s absolutely intriguing to see how Sherlock decodes the encrypted message without the key.


Decoding becomes even more exciting if it comes with a prize/ treasure😎. So here are some decoding activities. 


Be a Detective


I am sure kids will love to solve these simple math problems, decode patterns and find the treasure. Of course, the adults will have to understand the code before them and hide the treasure! 😀😀

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