Engage your students with this spy-themed World War I activity! Students will analyze, decode, and discover why the Zimmerman Telegram helped push the United States into the war.
This fun, interactive lesson combines history content with problem-solving, making it a classroom favorite!
What’s Included:
Summarized Zimmerman Telegram (coded version) – students must crack the number cipher to reveal the hidden message.
Top Secret Direction Sheet – written like a spy mission with easy, step-by-step instructions.
Multiple-Choice Quiz (WWI review) – helps students gather the correct “intel” to build their cipher key.
Cipher Chart – the decoding key students use to translate numbers into letters.
Complete Answer Key – includes correct quiz answers and the fully decoded message for easy grading.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
Explain the significance of the Zimmerman Telegram in U.S. involvement in WWI.
Apply historical knowledge to solve a coded message.
Review causes and alliances of World War I through engaging problem-solving.
Perfect For:
World War I Unit Lessons
U.S. Entry into WWI Activities
Sub Plans or Emergency Lesson Days
Review Games or Critical Thinking Days
Secondary U.S. History & American Studies Classes
Time Needed:
1 class period (45–55 minutes)
Teacher Tip:
Project the “Top Secret Mission” cover page and play spy music for full engagement — your classroom will feel like a historical escape room!
Engage your students with this spy-themed World War I activity! Students will analyze, decode, and discover why the Zimmerman Telegram helped push the United States into the war.
This fun, interactive lesson combines history content with problem-solving, making it a classroom favorite!
What’s Included:
Summarized Zimmerman Telegram (coded version) – students must crack the number cipher to reveal the hidden message.
Top Secret Direction Sheet – written like a spy mission with easy, step-by-step instructions.
Multiple-Choice Quiz (WWI review) – helps students gather the correct “intel” to build their cipher key.
Cipher Chart – the decoding key students use to translate numbers into letters.
Complete Answer Key – includes correct quiz answers and the fully decoded message for easy grading.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
Explain the significance of the Zimmerman Telegram in U.S. involvement in WWI.
Apply historical knowledge to solve a coded message.
Review causes and alliances of World War I through engaging problem-solving.
Perfect For:
World War I Unit Lessons
U.S. Entry into WWI Activities
Sub Plans or Emergency Lesson Days
Review Games or Critical Thinking Days
Secondary U.S. History & American Studies Classes
Time Needed:
1 class period (45–55 minutes)
Teacher Tip:
Project the “Top Secret Mission” cover page and play spy music for full engagement — your classroom will feel like a historical escape room!
