STANDARDS

Common Core: RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.7, WHST.6-8.4, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.2, RI.6-8.7, W.6-8.4, SL.6-8.1

NCSS: Time, Continuity, and Change • Individuals, Groups, and Institutions • Power, Authority, and Governance • Science, Technology, and Society

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The Wild Side of Spying

Ever wonder how professional spies do their jobs? The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has a museum explaining just that at its base in Langley, Virginia. The museum is not open to the public, but the CIA has started sharing some of its artifacts online, including these covert critters.

CIA

When and where pigeon cameras were used is still classified.

1. Bird Cam

CIA agents needed detailed views of certain places, but planes couldn’t get close enough. The solution? Camera-toting pigeons! The birds are relatively common, so they didn’t raise suspicion. Their bird brains, however, doomed their success: The pigeons had trouble flying over the right spots. 

CIA

This fishy bot is about 2 feet long. 

2. Fishing for Information

Researchers designed this robotic fish for underwater spy missions. CIA agents could control it with a radio handset.

CIA

A mini gas-powered engine flapped the wings.

3. Fly on the Wall

Developed in the 1970s, this “dragonfly” drone was a test run for tiny listening devices. The 2.4-inch-long Insectothopter flew well—except against wind.

SKILL SPOTLIGHT: Research

Imagine you are inventing a new spy gadget for the CIA. What animal would inspire your design? Research what makes that animal unique. Then draw and label your design and write a paragraph explaining how it would work. 

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