Today in Magical Maths WALT Read and write

Today in Magical Maths WALT… Read and write in secret code! Huh? What’s that got to do with Maths?

Well more specifically - WALT… Use semaphore signals to help the girl send a distress signal for help! Okay – Now I’m totally confused!

Don’t you worry my little land lubbers! I’m here to get you in ship-shape and semaphore ready!

What is Semaphore? It is a way of sending a message using flags. It was originally invented by Claude Chappe and his brothers in France.

What is Semaphore? The first Chappe semaphore line was established between Paris and Lille in 1792. It helped the French to send and receive messages about the war they were fighting with Austria.

So now you know what Semaphore is. But now you need to know how to use it!

Try this…Use your semaphore code book to break this code: By the way – the original Chappe Code book had 92 codes in it!

Well, let’s see if you’re right! h e l l o

Well done! I see you’re finding sea legs!! h e l l o

So now for your real challenge! You need to make your own set of Semaphore flags. Traditionally these were red and yellow, but we’ll use our own team colours instead.

Now you need to help that poor girl in the Tunnel send a message asking for help. What do you think this message should say? Practice saying it in Semaphore!

Can you help the girl send a distress signal?