Computer Science Pure and Simple Package 2nd Edition
Category Description for Computer Science Pure and Simple (3rd/4th Ed.)
Written by both homeschoolers and computer professionals, these year-long courses give homeschooled students a solid foundation in computer skills, from word processor and spreadsheet skills to basic programming and web design! Both of the courses are designed like lab manuals written to the student, with the student reading along as they complete their assignments. Because the course is set up in this way, parents don’t have to be computer gurus themselves, but it does help if they know how to open a document, use a word processor (on a very basic level) and use e-mail. There are no set prerequisites for the student, but the author recommends typing instruction if the student has not already learned.
Book 1 begins with the basics, including word processing (using Microsoft Word®), spreadsheet use (using Excel®), basic programming in Logo, internet use, and basic web design. The 26 lessons are designed to “spiral,” which means that students will be working on various computer skills at a more challenging level throughout the book rather than mastering spreadsheets before moving on to programming. The instructions are clear and simple to follow, and the guide walks students through the assignments. There are exercises for the student to hone their skills, which may take more practice. Answer keys are included for exercises with specific answers, but the author recommends removing this (so kids aren’t tempted to cheat), and using these for tips when they get stuck. Book 1 has been revised again and now features better instructions for using 2010 versions of Word® and Excel®, but few other changes.
Book 2 builds on the skills learned in Book 1, delving deeper into programming with MicroWorlds and designing a multi-page web site. Its 31 lessons are divided into three parts. In Part I, students will create five different computer games using the Logo language. Games include Madlibs, Maze, Race, Hangman, and City. In addition to learning how to write computer games, you will get a lot of practice working with variables, procedures, if-then statements, loops, and logical operators. Part II provides internet exercises and web page design. Students will design several pages of a web site and put it out on the web. Part III covers a few miscellaneous topics, including how to perform calculations on a spreadsheet, basic DOS commands, and what to study next. Like Book 1, answers are supplied.
To use either of these books, you will need the MicroWorlds computer program, which is an application based on the Logo computer language that provides visual feedback for the young programmer. MicroWorlds EX is Windows and Mac compatible. MicroWorlds EX will work with Windows 98 through Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher. Additional programs are also recommended for the web portions of the course, and these can be downloaded as free trial versions (specific instructions for obtaining these are found in the applicable lessons).
In the homeschooling or school market, there is very little available to teach children computer skills, and I think you’ll agree that these courses are very well done and extremely useable. When they’ve completed these courses, students will have a solid foundation in computer skills that will make learning more computer languages and more advanced computer skills much easier. ~ Anh/Jess
Customer Review
My teenager can't put this program down. She became interested in computers 2 years ago, and I looked everywhere for a user-friendly program. Finally, I found it! Computer Science Pure and Simple Book 1 and 2 along with MicroWorlds EX disk is completely self explanatory and comes with everything you'll need. Most importantly the program is fun and immediately rewarding. My daughter can't wait to show me what she's prepared. Wow! Something I don't have to push her to do! Thank you for carrying this exceptional product. I recommend this product for any one interested in becoming more familiar with computers young or old.
