An interesting and inclusive encoding/decoding activity with students could focus on using the Braille alphabet. Depending on the grade and time allowances, students could:

• shade/colour an appropriate template to encode a message
• attempt to decode close-ups of common public signs that use Braille
• attempt to encode their own tactile message using a blunt pencil, paper, and a soft surface to push into — this would also be a great activity for exploring and experimenting with pressure/force.

This activity could also begin a discussion about vision impairments and the different types of [public] technology that has been invented to assist those that have difficulty seeing (i.e. tactile paving, braille on bus buttons and toilet signs, the evolution of relevant mobility aids etc).