Computer Science for Kids - by Jen Looper (Paperback)

About the Book

"In Computer Science for Kids: A Storytelling Approach, AWS Head of Academic Advocacy and Google Developer Expert Dr. Jen Looper delivers a colorful, fun, and exciting demonstration for young readers who want to learn the basics of computer science. Using a variety of technologies, the book covers the elements of computer science in concise detail and illustrates how to build projects to learn foundational concepts behind the technology powering the internet. An easy-to-follow and kid-friendly new resource for technology-curious middle school students, Computer Science for Kids is the fun and interesting web development resource that classroom teachers, parents, and homeschooling families have been waiting for." --

Book Synopsis

A kid-friendly and rigorous new way to teach young readers the fundamentals of computer science

In Computer Science for Kids: A Storytelling Approach, AWS Head of Academic Advocacy and Google Developer Expert Dr. Jen Looper delivers a colorful, fun, and exciting demonstration for young readers who want to learn the basics of computer science. Using a variety of technologies, the book covers the elements of computer science in concise detail and illustrates how to build projects to learn foundational concepts behind the technology powering the internet.

In the book, you'll find projects to build using both basic and emerging technologies--like SQL, game development, storytelling software, and 3D augmented reality--as well as:

• Chapter projects aligned to K-12 curriculum standards for grades 6-8 and a GitHub repo featuring open-source projects
• Lesson plans for teachers
• An online space for classrooms to showcase and discuss their work

An easy-to-follow and kid-friendly new resource for technology-curious middle school students, Computer Science for Kids is the fun and interesting web development resource that classroom teachers, parents, and homeschooling families have been waiting for.

From the Back Cover

Learn web development with JavaScript, HTML, CSS and wrangle data with Python--learning Computer Science by building some really neat projects

Sleuth out missing fireflies, go on a quest for geodes, map a petrified forest--and learn basic coding at the same time! With Computer Science For Kids, you'll follow along with cool stories as you learn how to create simple programs to solve problems in the real world. You'll learn how to write JavaScript, HTML, and CSS--the three building blocks of web development. You'll also dabble with data using Python and other tools. In each chapter, you get to work on a fun project designed to help you build your computer science, data analysis, and web development skills.

Teachers and parents: the project-based learning in Computer Science For Kids is based on K-12 curriculum standards, making this book a great homeschool or classroom resource. Colorful illustrations make the book fun to work through, and screenshots make it easy to follow along with project instructions. Other features include clear definitions of computer science terms, end-of-chapter quizzes, and assignments that build on the book's lessons, giving students a chance to showcase their new skills. You'll also have access to online materials, like a GitHub repo featuring open-source projects and a space for classrooms to showcase and discuss their work together.

About the Author

Jen Looper is the Head of Academic Advocacy at AWS with over 22 years' experience as a web and mobile developer, specializing in creating cross-platform mobile and web apps. She's a multilingual multiculturalist with a passion for web technologies, applied machine learning and discovering new things every day. With a PhD in medieval French literature, Jen's area of focus is curriculum development and the application of sound pedagogy to technical topics. Visit Jen's personal site at www.jenlooper.com, or connect via Twitter @jenlooper.