A Motley Mission

Your Motley Mission this time is to practice your Secret Agent Skills! 
We’ve provided a list of the items you’ll need for each Mission…or you can have us send you a Crafting Pack with (almost) everything included!

Agent Ennui showing her inked finger

Fingerprinting

Everyone in the world (except identical twins) has a unique set of fingerprints! Since your fingerprints can identify you, Secret Agents must be careful not to leave fingerprints behind.

In this activity we’re going to look at our own fingerprints and then learn how to dust for fingerprints around the house! 

Responsible Adults Beware: This is a MESSY activity using fine powder. 

 

You Will Need: 

  • A pencil (the softer the better — a #2 or HB gives good results) 
  • Transparent tape (shiny is better)
  • A white index card or piece of paper
  • For dark-on-light fingerprints:
    • Another white card
    • Cocoa powder
  • For light-on-dark fingerprints:
    • A dark piece of paper (black gives the most contrast)
    • Corn starch or baby powder
  • A blush brush (it should wash)
  • Hand lotion to make prints better

MISSION ACCEPTED

Motley kids in wax resist writing

Secret Writing

Secret agents need to be able to send secret messages. One of the ways to keep your secrets secret is to use invisible ink.

In this activity we’re going to make some invisible ink with kitchen supplies and practice your secret message skills! 

Responsible Adult Notes:

This can get messy (grape juice stains!)

You may need to help with certain inks that require heat to develop.

 

You Will Need:

  • A paintbrush or cotton swab
  • Paper to write on
  • Lemon juice 
  • An iron (and a Responsible Adult to help iron)
  • Baking Soda
  • Water
  • Grape Juice (the purple 100% grape kind)
  • White crayon
  • Small bowls to mix your inks in

MISSION ACCEPTED

Ennui writing with a pigpen cipher

Secret Codes

If writing with invisible ink isn’t secretive enough, there is always the option of using a secret code or cipher to disguise your message. 

You’ve already learned about one cipher when you deciphered the message left behind by B.O.R.E.D. – but there are many more!

In this activity we’re going to learn about some easy codes and ciphers you can use to keep your secrets secret.

 

You Will Need:  

  • A writing utensil (pencil or pen)
  • Several sheets of writing paper
  • Code and Cipher Cards
  • Scissors
  • Two paper towel or toilet paper tubes
  • Transparent tape
  • A flashlight

MISSION ACCEPTED