Learn About Morse Code | Cryptogram, Worksheets & More

If you’ve ever wanted to talk in a “secret” code, check out these resources to learn about Morse code and how to ‘write it’ too!

Morse Code

Did you ever want to be a spy? Or maybe speak in a “secret” language? Maybe I’m weird but I always wanted to learn Morse code. I thought it would be a super fun way to talk in “secret” to my friends. Almost like I could be a spy or something.

And while it isn’t necessarily used anymore, it is still a fun skill to learn and could make a great Morse code study for your homeschool.

What is Morse Code?

According to Dictionary.com, Morse code is “either of two systems of clicks and pauses, short and long sounds, or flashes of light, used to represent the letters of the alphabet, numerals, etc.: now used primarily in radiotelegraphy by ham operators.“

Who is Morse Code Named For?

It is named after Samuel Morse, the man credited with inventing the telegraph. Why would they name it after Morse if he didn’t create it? Because his device is what allowed communication to be transmitted over long distances.

And while there is controversy over whether he was the original inventor of the telegraph, he is the one credited.

Co-developers of Morse code

There are two other individuals who helped to develop Morse code. They are:

Joseph Henry

American physicist, Joseph Henry, also contributed to the development of Morse code. Henry served as the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute and discovered the electromagnetic phenomenon of self-inductance.

He is the one that ultimately made the electromagnet into a practical device. His work on the electromagnetic relay was the basis of the practical electrical telegraph, which led to Samuel Morse’s invention.

Alfred Vail

And the third co-developer was Alfred Vail, who was an American inventor and machinist. Without the backing of Vail’s father, the telegraph might never have been fully developed or adapted for commercial use. It was only after his financial investment that Alfred was able to update and clarify the prototype by Morse.

The first successful transmission was at the Speedwell Iron Works on January 6, 1838. After managing several telegraph lines from 1845-1848, Vail retired from the telegraph operations having only made $900/year.

According to his journals, he wrote Morse saying, “I have made up my mind to leave the Telegraph to take care of itself, since it cannot take care of me. I shall, in a few months, leave Washington for New Jersey, … and bid adieu to the subject of the Telegraph for some more profitable business.”

Morse Code Days

There are two days each year that you can actually ‘celebrate’ or rather, set out to learn, about Morse code.

1. Morse Code Day

Morse Code Day is April 27th, the birthday of Samuel Morse, who before becoming an inventor, was an accomplished painter until his mid-40’s.

2. Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day

Did you know there is a day dedicated to “Learn Your Name in Morse code”? How fun is that?! Yep, it’s on January 11th.

As I mentioned before, I’ve always wanted to learn Morse code for myself. Not because I need it but just because I thought it would be fun (and a cool). Even though it isn’t taught or used any more, it is used by ham radio operators. So whether kids just learn how to “spell” their name or commit Morse code to memory, it is definitely a fun, new language to learn.

Morse Code Worksheets and Activities

If you would like to have your kids learn more about Samuel Morse and Morse code, these worksheets and activities will get you started:

More Morse Code Resources

We’ve also found activities and resources from across the internet for you to add to your studies including:

Write Your Name in Morse Code

• Write your name in Morse Code Worksheet from Homeschool Holiday (TpT)
• Learn Morse Code in Minutes! from Learn Morse Code
• Morse Code Spelling from LAH in GA (TpT)

Morse Code Printables

• Morse Code Unit Study (Middle and High School) from Year Round Homeschooling
• Morse Code Alphabet from Teachers Printables
• Morse Code Worksheet from Education.com
• Morse Code Decoder Ring from The Puzzle Den
• Morse Code: Crack the Code from Sarah’s Smart Cookies (TpT)

Morse Code Activities

• Hands on STEM & STEAM – making and using a Morse Code device from The Joy of Numbers (TpT)
• Morse Code Scavenger Hunt from Sarah Barnum (TpT)
• Morse Code to English Codes Famous Quotes from Kiwiland (TpT)
• Elementary Morse Code Unit Study from Year Round Homeschooling
• Morse Code – Advantages and Limitations – Minecraft Inspired from MrsH 123 (TpT)
• Montessori Classified Cards: The Morse Code from The Montessori Garden (TpT)
• Zimmerman Telegram/Morse Code Assignment from Strunk’s Social Studies Store (TpT)

Morse Code Practice

• Crack the Code Puzzles for Technology Class from Brittany Washburn (TpT)
• Westward Expansion Escape Room: Crack Morse Code & Solve Manifest Destiny Puzzle from History with Mr E (TpT)
• Make Your Own Morse Code Name Necklace from Smart Chick (TpT)
• MODEL Morse Code – Communication through Codes & Technology from What I Have Learned (TpT)
• Samuel Morse and Morse Code Powerpoint Presentation from Erica Dodson (TpT)
• Code Crackers #3 – Morse Code from Brains Loading Please Wait (TpT)
• Summer Morse Code from Katie Stokes (TpT)
• Spring Morse Code from Katie Stokes (TpT)
• Winter Morse Code from Katie Stokes (TpT)
• Nature Morse Code from Katie Stokes (TpT)