Homeschool World Forum

Hi! I am wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a curriculum teaching computer science?My 10 year old attended an international school for 2 1/2 yrs until we had to come back to the US. They were taught some computer skills that aren't even touched upon until high school here. ie) power point, excel.I know he loved that class and I want him to keep up with the skills and learn new ones at the same time incorporated into some practical projects. Any advice? Thanks so much!

I developed just such a curriculum, teaching computer science to kids 8 to 12. This is Logo Adventures, using the Logo computer language developed at MIT just for kids. Logo Adventures uses no variables, so is suitable for kids under age 12. Older kids may prefer Computer Science Pure and Simple, my popular curriculum for middle and high school, also using the fun and zany Logo computer language plus work on websites and more. Check out Logo Adventures at http://www.MotherboardBooks.com/products/logo-adventures/ .

First time I've heard of Computer Science focusing entirely on Microsoft products. When I took it, it was all about computers and basic programming and stuff like that. In fact, Basic is a good place to start - I really enjoyed Dad teaching it to me on our old Apple IIE when I was 9 or 10. Moved on to QBasic on my PC at 11, then the Internet came along when I was 15 or so and I learned HTML (then C++ for AP Comp Sci), Javascript, CSS, PHP, Perl, mySQL, etc.

In any case, I highly recommend something that includes actual programming, just in case your kids happen to like that sort of thing. I did a Google search, found this:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/de ... x?id=22961 (Small Basic)
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/de ... x?id=14246 (manual)

Hello,

We invite you to take a look at our KidCoder (4th-8th) and TeenCoder (9th-12th) series of computer programming curriculum for homeschool students. These courses will teach students Visual Basic or C# programming from the ground up...they are self-study so no teacher expertise required.

Each series contains a two-semester sequence: "Windows Programming" and "Game Programming". We also offer optional instructional videos for students who enjoy audio-visual re-enforcement of the textbook lessons.

http://www.HomeschoolProgramming.com

Regards,