Logo Adventures, Programming for Children
by Phyllis H. Wheeler
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Logo Adventures by Phyllis H. Wheeler. Paperback text, $29.99, and and MicroWorlds disk (required) for $99. Published by Motherboard Books. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying this program from our Christian Book Distributors affiliate links for the Logo Adventures book and for the MicroWorlds disk.
Phyllis Wheeler, a homeschooler mother with a mechanical engineering degree, and author of Computer Science, Pure and Simple, Books 1 and 2, wrote Logo Adventures as an introduction to programming for eight- to twelve-year-olds.
Similar to the Pure and Simple series, Logo Adventures uses the LOGO programming language to exercise problem-solving skills, "stretch the brain" and make programming a fun hobby for children not yet ready to take on the complexity of techniques used in the Pure and Simple series. It is written for a co-op type environment, but can easily be used as a single-student course.
Logo Adventures starts out with a basic introduction to the layout of the MicroWorlds user interface and the LOGO language. In order to keep young minds on-task, examples are geared towards drawing pictures such as stop signs, letters, and geometric patterns. Later, kids draw buildings and game boards using color and animations. Towards the end, students make a simple board game and learn various methods of drawing facial expressions. The epilogue contains recommendations on projects for children before starting the Pure and Simple series. An answer key is included in the back of the book.
Recommendation: Geared towards younger children, Logo Adventures is the perfect way to get your eight- to twelve-year-old into the world of programming. Easy-to-read text, fun programs, and lots of review make this a great curriculum.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
Review of Pure and Simple, Computer Science
Review of Web Design for Kids (...and Curious Grown-ups!)
HomeschoolChristian.com's Technology Section
About the Reviewer:
At the time of the review, Elliot is the 17-year-old son of Martha Robinson, the Review Page Editor for HomeschoolChristian.com. Very interested in everything electronic, he spends his spare time building computers, programming, and fixing his siblings' toys. At twelve years of age he got his Amateur (HAM) Radio license. When he isn't tinkering with electronics or talking on the radio, he is probably riding his bike through the woods or helping elderly neighbors.
Find more helpful reviews on HomeschoolChristian.com's Review Page Index!
Reviews represent the opinions of the authors rather than the views of HomeschoolChristian.com.
