Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Patterns in Coded Messages — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

NGSS 4-PS4-3

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This engaging Grade 4-5 science passage explores how codes are systems of patterns that represent information, allowing messages to be sent and understood by others. Students learn how different codes use different patterns of sounds, lights, or symbols to represent letters, words, or data. The passage connects to Morse code, demonstrating how patterns of dots and dashes represent letters, allowing messages to be sent by sound or light. Aligned with NGSS standard 4-PS4-3, this audio-integrated resource includes a simplified differentiated version, Spanish translations, glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing activities, and graphic organizers. Students discover how patterns make communication possible across distances and situations. The passage uses concrete examples like flashlights and telegraphs to make abstract concepts tangible. Audio integration supports diverse learners, while differentiated materials ensure accessibility for all students. Keywords include codes, patterns, Morse code, coded messages, communication systems, information patterns, and message systems.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Ada Jones sending morse code in 1918 by Bain / Wikimedia Commons

A code is a system of patterns that represents information so that messages can be sent and understood. Codes allow people to communicate over distances or in special situations where regular talking or writing might not work. Without codes, we would have trouble sharing important information quickly and clearly.

All codes work by using patterns, which are things that repeat in an organized way. Different codes use different kinds of patterns to stand for letters, words, or data. Some codes use patterns of sounds, like beeps. Other codes use patterns of lights, like flashes. Still other codes use patterns of symbols, like special marks or pictures. Each pattern in a code has a specific meaning that both the sender and receiver must know.

Morse code is a famous code system invented in the 1830s. It uses patterns of dots and dashes to represent each letter of the alphabet. A dot is a short signal, and a dash is a longer signal. For example, the letter A is represented by one dot followed by one dash. The letter S is three dots in a row. When you know what each pattern means, you can spell out entire words and sentences.

Morse code can be sent in different ways because it only uses two basic signals. People can tap out the patterns as sounds, like tapping on a table or using a telegraph machine that makes clicking noises. They can also flash the patterns with light, like using a flashlight or signal lamp. If you flash a light three times quickly, pause, then flash three times slowly, then flash three times quickly again, you've sent the emergency signal SOS.

The reason codes work is that everyone agrees on what each pattern means. Just like how we all agree that the letter B makes a certain sound, people using Morse code agree that dot-dash means the letter A. This shared understanding of patterns is what makes communication, or the sharing of information, possible. If you send a message in code but the other person doesn't know the pattern system, they won't understand what you're trying to say.

Patterns in coded messages remain important today, even though we have phones and computers. Computers use codes made of patterns of 1s and 0s to store and send all kinds of information. Pilots and sailors still learn signal codes using lights and flags. Understanding how codes use patterns to represent information helps us see that communication is really about creating and recognizing patterns that carry meaning from one person to another.

What is a code?

A system of patterns representing informationA type of computer programA secret language only spies useA way to write faster

What does Morse code use?

Letters and numbers onlyDots and dashesColors and shapesMusical notes

When was Morse code invented?

In the 1930sIn the 1730sIn the 1830sIn the 2000s

Why do codes work?

They are easy to learnEveryone agrees on pattern meaningsThey use simple wordsThey are written down

How can Morse code be sent?

Only with telegraph machinesOnly with computersWith sounds or light signalsOnly by writing

What emergency signal uses three patterns?

ABCSOSHELP911

Codes are still used in computers today.

TrueFalse

What are patterns in codes?

Random signals with no meaningThings that repeat in organized waysOnly visual designsMistakes in messages

Perfect For:

👩‍🏫 Teachers

• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents

• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time

🏠 Homeschoolers

• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring

Reading Features:

📖

Reading Passage

Engaging fiction or nonfiction text

❓

Comprehension Quiz

Auto-graded questions

📊

Instant Feedback

Immediate results and scoring

📄

Printable Version

Download for offline reading

🔊

Read Aloud

Voice-over with word highlighting

Reviews & Ratings

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

How Antennas Work

This engaging 350-word science passage introduces elementary students to the fascinating world of antennas and signal tr...

NGSS 4-PS4-3

How Transmitters Work

This 350-word informational science passage explores how transmitters are devices that create and send wave signals carr...

NGSS 4-PS4-3

What Is Morse Code

This engaging 250-word science passage introduces Grade 4-5 students to Morse code, a fascinating communication system t...

NGSS 4-PS4-3

Connect with Workybooks!

7950 Silverton Av #208, San Diego CA 92126

WORKSHEETS

READINGKNOVATEACHER TOOLS

RESOURCESCURATED UNITS

FEATURESBLOGCOMPANY

Patterns in Coded Messages — Reading Comprehension

About This Reader

CONTENT PREVIEW

Perfect For:

Reading Features:

Reviews & Ratings

Related Content

Connect with Workybooks!