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News | Nov. 3, 2016

National Cryptologic Museum Bringing STEM to Life

Maryland STEM Festival logo

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is coming alive at the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) on November 10, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Children interested in trying out real life applications in STEM can come to the NCM's special evening event, "2016 STEM Fest: Bringing STEM to Life," to experience loads of hands-on educational activities designed and presented by computer scientists, engineers, researchers, mathematicians, analysts, and teachers from the National Security Agency (NSA). Designed for children 10 years and older, the event will be part of the 2016 Maryland STEM Festival and will be free and open to the public.

Some of the planned activities include:

  • Cryptologic analysts looking for "patterns of chaos" in analyzing text messages.
  • Cyber teachers demonstrating ciphers and error-correcting and detection codes.
  • Researchers demonstrating the mathematics of juggling and the possibilities of robotics.
  • Analysts showing how to find "bad guys" in radio signals.
  • Mathematicians challenging kids with a crypto puzzle to stop a "cyberattack" and showing them how to make geometric shapes with mathematics.
  • Engineers showing how to make computer chips.
  • Docents giving tours of exhibits with an emphasis on technology in cryptology.

NSA has contributed major advancements in communication and computer technologies for more than 60 years and that work continues today with state-of-the art innovations in engineering, mathematics, and technology in support of national security. In its second year, the Maryland STEM Festival provides inspirational, educational and accessible programming in STEM fields through a week of collaborative, interactive and dynamic events throughout Maryland.

Check out museum's Facebook page or view the event flyer for more information about the Maryland STEM Festival event, "Bringing STEM to Life." You can also contact the National Cryptologic Museum using our online form or call 301-688-5849. For directions to the National Cryptologic Museum, please visit our Map and Directions page.