Computer Science, Pure and Simple, Book 1 and Book 2
by Phyllis H. Wheeler, Don Sleeth, Virginia Sparks, and Laura Breidenbach
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Computer Science, Pure and Simple, Book 1 and Computer Science, Pure and Simple Book 2 by Phyllis H. Wheeler, Don Sleeth, Virginia Sparks, and Laura Breidenbach. Book 1, paperback text for $29.99, and MicroWorlds disk (required) for $99; Book 2, paperback text for $32.99. Available from Motherboard Books. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying this program from our Christian Book Distributors links for Book 1, MicroWorlds Disk, and Book 2.
Pure and Simple, Book 1
Phyllis Wheeler, a homeschooling mother with a mechanical engineering degree; Don Sleeth, a computer professional; Virginia Sparks, a homeschooling mother with a B.A. in Math and Computer Science; and Laura Breidenbach, a professional Web developer; wrote Pure and Simple, Book 1 as a introductory computer science book for grades five and up. Pure and Simple, Book 1 offers basic instruction in word processing, web development, and the MicroWorlds LOGO programming language.
Pure and Simple, Book 1 includes the first book and the single home version 2.0 of MicroWorlds LOGO. The program starts off by teaching some basic word processing using MS Word, or a similar word processing utility. Then it shows how to write a basic program that will draw lines, and make simple animations. Next it delves deeper into word processing, and demonstrates how to make spreadsheets with MS Excel or a compatible spreadsheet utility. Then the program explains how to write a basic web page, first by hand, and then using a simpler approach with free downloadable web editor. Last of all, it demonstrates more of the LOGO language, showing how to make a more complex animation, and how to use variables. Three appendices are included, giving troubleshooting for the book, as well as ideas for a web page. A bibliography, index, and the answers are included in the back of the book.
Recommendations: This is a good introductory course for those with little hands on computer experience. Although it is recommended for fifth grade up, I believe that motivated students as low as second or third grade could use this course, with a little bit of parent guidance. Children fifth grade and above should be able to use this course without help. The cost of this program is a little intimidating.
Pure and Simple, Book 2
Pure and Simple, Book 2 starts the first section by re-introducing the student to procedures, input, and variables in the LOGO language learned in the first book. Pseudo-Code is introduced, and random variables are enumerated. Several programs are also introduced including hangman, and a maze game.
The second part introduces students to the Internet, starting out with how to make Google safe for small eyes. It continues with two Internet scavenger hunts, in which the student uses Google (or another search engine) to find information. The student then takes a basic look at web page design, and using Mozilla Composer (a free program) he builds a personal Web site. Next the book explains about web hosting to allow the student to put his site on the Internet.
In the third section, the student learns various programming skills. First, a spreadsheet application (such as Microsoft Excel) is used to do calculations. The student is then taught how to write functions that will make the spreadsheet run calculations automatically. Next, the student learns about MS-DOS including basic commands and the EDIT program. Finally, Book 2 explains what resources are needed to learn the C and Java programming languages.
The appendices in this book are admirably written. Appendix 1 explains the LOGO procedure names and giving some troubleshooting tips; Appendix 2 does the same for HTML web sites. Appendix 3 has bibliography, and Appendix 4 gives answers to all of the questions in Part 1.
Recommendation: This book, like the first, is first rate for beginning programmers. Its engaging style makes it very fun to work with. I would, however, have liked to have seen the Unix/Linux operating system explained, either along with, or instead of DOS, as DOS's back slashes can cause confusion when doing HTML programming which uses forward slashes.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
Review of Logo Adventures
Review of Web Design for Kids (...and Curious Grown-ups!)
HomeschoolChristian.com's Technology Resources Section
About the Reviewer:
At press time, Elliot is the 14-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.
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