The Science Fair Scheme, page 8
Mr. Grunt paused. There was some static, then a rustling sound like paper being handled and, finally, his voice again. “So, here are the winners of this year’s Science Fair.”
Cody drew in a breath and folded her hands. Even though she was out of the competition, she still felt the excitement of the event and couldn’t wait to find out who won!
“In third place,” Mr. Grunt continued, “the winner of a white ribbon for creating an entirely new product . . . Matthew Jeffreys!”
A cheer went up in Ms. Stad’s class as Matt’s name was announced. Matt leapt from his chair, whooped loudly, and shot an “I did it!” fist in the air. Then he turned to the class and clasped his hands high over his head like a boxing champion.
Cody couldn’t keep from smiling as she caught his contagious enthusiasm. When he finally sat back down, she patted him on the back. “Way to go, Matt,” she said. “You deserve it, not just for your project but for helping us find out who wrecked our projects.”
His face turned red at the compliment. Ms. Stad beamed in pride. “Outstanding job, Matthew.”
The PA system squawked again. Then Mr. Grant’s voice returned. “Congratulations to Matthew Jeffreys from Ms. Stadelhofer’s class. And now for the second-place winner. The red ribbon goes to the student who created three different recipes for sugar-free drinks to find out which one was the best . . . Dev Kumar!”
The class roared again with applause and whistles. Dev smiled shyly at the back of the room, as nearby students patted him and gave him high fives and fist bumps. He looked overwhelmed and uncomfortable with all the attention, and yet Cody could tell from his body language he was pleased.
“What a clever idea, Dev,” Ms. Stad said to him. “We’re so glad you’ve joined our class.”
Cody gave him a thumbs-up from across the room. He blushed again and bowed his head.
“Goodness!” Ms. Stad said. “That’s two of our own students who have won ribbons in the Science Fair. I’m so proud of all of you.”
A “Congratulations, Dev,” came over the loudspeaker from Mr. Grant. As a hush fell over the students, they listened attentively for the last name—and first-place winner—to be announced. Cody had no idea who it would be.
“And finally,” Mr. Grunt said, “in first place for a blue ribbon, a trophy, and a trip to the Exploratorium with five friends . . . the winner—or should I say winners, because for the first time ever we have a five-way tie for their creative projects that cleverly incorporated the use of codes . . .”
Cody froze. Her heart skipped a beat. It couldn’t be . . .
“MariaElena Esperanto, Dakota Jones, Quinn Kee, Luke LaVeau, and Mika Takeda!”
Cody felt light-headed when she heard her name announced. Matt turned around; his face lit up with delight. He tried to give her a fist bump, but Cody was too stunned to even move. Was it true? Had she and the other Code Busters actually won first place? But how?
She looked at M.E. and Mika, who appeared to be as dazed as she was. Everyone was congratulating them, even though the three girls seemed to have turned into zombies.
Cody glanced at Ms. Stad, who was clapping wildly and grinning so hard, she had deep dimples in her cheeks.
“Congratulations, Code Busters!” came Mr. Grant’s voice over the loudspeaker again. “Even though your projects were sabotaged, the judges felt you all did an exceptional job of carrying out the scientific method and incorporating codes in unique and important ways.”
Cody barely heard the words, but as her classmates continued to congratulate her, she finally accepted the news: All five Code Busters had won first place at the Science Fair! And they were all going to the Exploratorium!
“This is so wonderful!” Ms. Stad said, beaming. “And so well deserved. I couldn’t be more pleased with all my students for doing your best whether you won or not.”
Cody wondered how she’d get through the rest of the day after such incredible news. She couldn’t wait to meet with the Code Busters and celebrate!
But first, she really had to pinch herself to make sure this was happening!
Mr. Grunt’s voice interrupted her excited thoughts.
“Would the winners please come to my office to receive your ribbons, trophies, and tickets to the Exploratorium.”
Cody, M.E., Mika, Dev, and Matt all got up from their desks and headed out of the classroom. Matt waved to the students as he left. In the hallway, they met up with Quinn and Luke.
Matt held out a fist, obviously hoping to get a bump from Luke and Quinn. They returned the bump, and added “Congrats, Matt. Way to go!”
Matt laughed. “You know, this is the first time I’ve been sent to the principal’s office for something good instead of being in trouble.”
The others laughed too. “Dude,” Luke said, “this is the first time I’ve ever won anything besides a sports trophy.”
The kids entered the school office. The office manager behind the desk sent them straight into Mr. Grunt’s personal office. The three judges were already seated inside when the kids entered.
“Congratulations, students,” Mr. Grunt said, welcoming them from his spot behind his desk. “I’m proud of your hard work and creativity. You’re fine examples of what we strive for here at Berkeley Cooperative Middle School. Bravo!” He gave a little clap.
Luke nodded, Quinn smiled, Mika bowed her head, and M.E. giggled. Matt clapped for himself. Dev blushed again. Cody wished her parents were here to see her accept her prize.
Judge Lechner stood and began handing out ribbons. The white one went to Matt, the red one to Dev, and five blues to the Code Busters, plus a single trophy they were to share that read, Winner—1st Place—Science Fair Competition.
“As for the trip to the Exploratorium,” Mr. Grunt said, “since you’re all exceptional students, we’ve decided to make an exception this year.” He paused, then added, “We’re sending all seven of you!”
Matt yelled, “Yes!” The boys gave one another fist bumps. The girls hugged one another.
“You’re very lucky kids,” Judge Kakutani said. “The Exploratorium is an incredible interactive museum with over six hundred exhibits, created by scientists, artists, engineers, and educators. It’s a place where you can dance in a tornado, make stop-motion animations, create a soundscape, see inside your own body, and learn about genetics. Plus, you’ll also be treated to a visit inside the Tactile Dome, where you’ll crawl through complete darkness inside, using only your sense of touch!”
While the Code Busters looked excited at the idea, Matt sneered. “Sounds creepy.”
“Well, enjoy your prize,” Mr. Grunt said, sitting back down, which signaled the end of the meeting.
The students took their ribbons and the envelopes with the trip information, while Luke carried the trophy. As they headed back to their classrooms, the Code Busters stopped in the hallway for a moment to make plans for an after-school meeting.
Cody noticed Matt stood nearby, listening to their conversation. She glanced at the others and whispered in Pig Latin, “Aybe-may ee-way ould-shay invite-yay att-May and-yay ev-Day oo-tay oin-jay uh-thay ub-clay,” she whispered.
Code Busters Key and Solution found on pp. 159 and 165.
Before any of the other Code Busters could respond, Matt shook his head.
“No thanks,” he said, obviously knowing Pig Latin. “Me and the Devanator are forming our own club.” He looked at Dev, who seemed surprised by the announcement. “Right, Devster?”
Dev blinked.
“We don’t have a name yet,” Matt continued. “Maybe the Matt Pack or the Cool Kids Club or Matt’s World Domination Club or the Danger Dudes or the Matt Scientists or maybe even the Secret Cipher Breaker’s Club. I’m still working on it. Plus, we’re gonna have cool T-shirts.”
Dev’s eyes brightened. “Maybe Dev and Matt’s Top Secret Inventions Club,” he offered.
Matt gave him a pat on the back. “We’ll see. Anyway, it’s gonna be awesome.”
Cody smiled at Matt’s plans. Forming his own club was a great idea and would keep him from bugging them. Maybe they could even work together on some code-busting project. His made-up code was pretty cool.
Then again, she wondered what kind of mischief he could get into with his own club.
Chapter 12
The kids decided to go straight home after school and share their news with their parents, then meet after dinner at Cody’s house to celebrate. Cody planned to ask her mom if they could have do-it-yourself sundaes for dessert, since it was a special occasion.
“Congratulations, Cody!” Cody’s mother said. Tana gave Cody a big hug and signed the word by clasping her hands together and moving them back and forth. Cody called her dad and told him the news. He promised they’d celebrate on the weekend.
As soon as they finished dinner, Cody’s mom went to the store to get supplies, while Cody watched Tana. When her mom returned, Cody set up the ice-cream sundae stations—all but the ice cream itself so it wouldn’t melt. Her mom had bought three flavors—chocolate, cookies and cream, and mint chip—plus chocolate and caramel sauce and all kinds of toppings, from sprinkles and chocolate chips to gummy bears and cookie crumbs. This was going to be an awesome party!
When the doorbell light flashed on and off, Tana ran to answer it, with Cody right behind her.
“Dude!” Luke said when he and the rest of the Code Busters entered the kitchen and saw all the toppings. “Best party ever!”
The Code Busters chatted about the Science Fair and their upcoming trip to the Exploratorium while they enjoyed their sundaes. Suddenly, Cody’s mom and sister reappeared, each holding five small paper bags.
Tana signed, “Mom and I made shirts for you.” Then she fingerspelled the names written on the bags and handed them to the Code Busters. The kids opened their bags.
Quinn held up a T-shirt and smiled widely. It read “NI NJ A” across the top using the letters from the periodic table. “Awesome!”
Luke opened his, which read, “Fe,” the periodic table code for “Iron,” plus “MAN.” “Iron Man!” he said aloud. “Too cool!”
M.E. pulled hers out and cried, “Awesome!” when she saw the periodic table letters, “Au Sm,” on the front.”
And Mika looked delighted with her chocolate- brown shirt that read “C Ho Co La Te.” She hugged Tana and thanked Cody’s mom.
Finally, it was Cody’s turn to open her bag. She pulled out the T-shirt and grinned when she saw the words “Science Girl” written in periodic table letters.
“I love it!” she said, and hugged Tana, then her mom. “I can’t believe you made these!”
“Turn the shirts over,” Tana signed to them, flipping her flat hand over.
Cody read the letters printed on the back in periodic table code.
Code Busters Key and Solution found on pp. 158 and 166.
“It’s amazing!” M.E. squealed as she pulled the shirt on over her top. “Perfect!” She, too, gave Cody’s mom and sister a hug.
“We’ll wear them to the Exploratorium,” Quinn said, after donning his shirt. Moments later, the Code Busters were all wearing their personalized “CBC” T-shirts.
“I hear it’s creepy inside the Tactile Dome,” M.E. said. “You know I don’t like creepy places.”
“Uh-oh,” Luke said. “Then you might not want to come to my birthday party.”
Luke pulled out invitations and handed them to the others.
The Code Busters looked at him. “You’re having a party?” Cody asked.
“Open it,” Luke said mysteriously.
The kids opened the envelopes, pulled out the contents, and read the message in LEETCode.
Code Busters Key and Solution found on pp. 157 and 166.
“What’s this all about?” Cody asked after she deciphered the message.
“My grandmere is taking us to the Winchester Mystery House for my birthday.”
“Whoa!” Quinn said, giving Luke a fist bump. “Awesome!”
“What’s the Winchester Mystery House?” Mika asked.
“Dude,” Luke explained, “it’s this big old house with, like, seven stories, and 160 rooms. They say the owner, Sarah Winchester, never slept two nights in a row in each bedroom because she was afraid evil spirits might find her.”
Mika looked excited, but M.E.’s eyes widened with concern.
“I heard she was really weird,” Quinn said. “She built switchback staircases that lead nowhere and doors that open to dead ends and a bunch of secret passageways, all to fool the evil spirits.”
M.E. shivered.
“Plus,” Luke added, “she had these listening tubes that she used to spy on her servants, and a real Séance Room where her medium supposedly contacted her dead husband. She was really superstitious and believed she’d live forever if she never stopped building her house.”
“Wow,” M.E. said. “No way am I going there, even for your birthday!”
Luke smiled at her. “Don’t worry, M.E. You’ll be fine. I’m sure there’s nothing to be afraid of . . .”
Code Busters’
Key Book & Solutions
ASL Fingerspelling
Birds on a Wire Code
Greek Alphabet Code
Hieroglyphic Code
International Morse Code
LEETCode
Matt the Brat’s Phonetic Alphabet Code
A=Alien, B=Bigfoot, C=Creeper, D=Dragon, E=Earwax, F=Frankenstein, G=Godzilla, H=Hulk, I=IronMan, J=JabbatheHut, K=Kong, L=Lugey, M=Monster, N=Nessy, O=Optimus, P=Pirate, Q=Quicksand, R=Robot, S=Sasquatch, T=Toilet, U=Underpants, V=Vampire, W=Wolverine, X=X-Men, Y=Yeti, Z=Zombie
Periodic Table Code
Phonetic Alphabet Code
A - alpha
B - bravo
C - charlie
D - delta
E - echo
F - foxtrot
G - golf
H - hotel
I - india
J - juliet
K - kilo
L - lima
M - mike
N - november
O - oscar
P - papa
Q - quebec
R - romeo
S - sierra
T - tango
U - uniform
V - victor
W - whiskey
X - x-ray
Y - yankee
Z - zulu
Pig Latin Code
Remove the first letter of the word, place it at the back of the word, and add “ay.”
For example: “emove-ray irst-fay etter-lay.”
For words that begin with vowels, just use “ay,” such as “and-yay” for “and.”
Sherlock Holmes Dancing Men Code
Introduction Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: A Challenging Message
LEETCode: Science Fair is coming up. Prize is trip to Exploratorium. Code Busters have to win this year!
Periodic table code:
Science Fair Dare: Prepare to lose, Code Buttheads.
No way, bro!
Chapter 1 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: Science Fair Dare
Egyptian Hieroglyphic Code: I need help!!!!!!
Morse code: What’s wrong? Are you ok???
Anagram Code: Matt’s Brilliant Code Busters Science Fair Trap.
Periodic table code: We can use the periodic table code.
Chapter 2 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: What’s the Question?
Backward Code: Can you read this?
Sherlock Holmes Dancing Men Code: I love Sherlock Holmes!
Birds on a Wire Code: I love birds.
Sherlock Holmes Dancing Men Code: Your projects are boring.
Chapter 3 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: The Body Code
Text code: What’s up? Heard you Code Busters are doing Science Fair projects. If you need help, let me know. $5 an hour. Two-time Science Fair prize winner Bernie Bunsen.
Matt’s Phonetic Alphabet Code: You’re gonna lose the Science Fair prize cuz I have a top secret weapon! Bwa-ha-ha (evil laff)
Chapter 4 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: Matt’s Secret Plan
Morse code: Watch out—Science Kid is headed this way.
Greek Alphabet Code: I bet I do.
Matt’s Phonetic Alphabet Code: How’s your moldy bread?
Chapter 5 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: Science Geeks Are Cool
Birds on a Wire Code: Once upon a midnight dreary while I pondered weak and weary —Edgar Allan Poe, from “The Raven”
Pig Latin Code:
I think M.E. is right. It’s probably Matt.
He’s the only one who knows about our clubhouse.
Maybe not now that he’s found a wingman.
You mean the new kid? Dev Kumar?
I think Matt put him up to this to find out what we’re doing and try to sabotage our projects!
Chapter 6 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: Truth . . . or Lie
Pig Latin Code:
I’ll tell Matt and Dev I’m interviewing them for my project. Then I’ll ask them questions and watch their body language to see if they are lying.
I hope they aren’t good liars.
Chapter 7 Solutions
Fingerspelling translation: A Threatening Code
