Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook from Workman Publishing : A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook from Workman Publishing


It seems like today's teens were born with an innate ability to comprehend technology and they have questions that I can't answer.  We have been enjoying Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook from Workman Publishing to help fill in some of those blanks.

This fun edition of the "Big Fat Notebook" series is designed to answer your middle schooler's questions about Computer Science and Coding.  It's a hefty paperback book with a sturdy cover and nice thick pages.  It is formatted much like a page of study notes from "the smartest kid in the class"- with lots of color, diagrams and doodles.

It's organized with 8 units that cover:

• Computing Systems
• Data and Analysis
• Software Engineering
• Algorithms and Programming
• Universal Programming Principles
• Programming with Scratch
• Programming in Python
• Web Development

Each unit contains short chapters that break down the complex information of computer science and coding into easily understood bits of information.  From the history of computers to HTML and CSS - it's a treasure chest of information that my testers have enjoyed discovering!

This book focuses on key concepts - definitions are bold print.  The information is presented visually in diagrams and graphs (great practice for math skills too).  Throughout the book - mnemonic devices are used to make the information memorable.  One of our favorites - the use of humor!

The information is presented in clear, easy-to-understand ways.  For example, the cost of social networks is explained - "just because you don't have to pay, doesn't mean they are free.  The cost is that you hand over tons of information about yourself..." We found lots of important topics centered around computers and technology that sparked great family discussions!

Each chapter ends with a quick review called Check Your Knowledge, with answers printed on the next page.  We really did not want to write in this valuable book, so we used them as oral discussion and review questions.

This is a great way to spark an interest in computers and coding in your child, or simply to answer some questions.  It's vital information in today's world, and it's delivered in a very user friendly format. It's not an in-depth exploration, but rather a great bird's eye view.  Exactly the kind of book my middle schooler can't put down.

We are excited to see the other books in this series from Workman Publishing  - Math, Science, World History, American History, and English!

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