You are becoming a computer hardware and software expert. You will develop a non-fiction writing piece based on the expert knowledge you gain. You will use this piece to develop a "web tutorial" that shows others (your audience): a) how to create a computer (hardware); and b) how to code directions for the computer (software). You may ask, how will you be rated? Good question! Always remember the final goal: to teach, or help, others build computer hardware and software. If your project does, then you are successful!

Below are some example of web tutorials. They have an interesting opening paragraph (introduction). They use both paragraphs and images to show the process (or steps).

Music Creation with Kano How to Build Your Computer

Tools and Resources

Use these tools and resources below to become an expert in computer science. You can also access resources by searching Google or visiting the library. Watch and listen carefully. Take notes. You will have all the information you need to write your informational essay with diagram. Don't forget: you are writing for an audience. Who will they be? What information do you need to teach them? What will they already know? And if you feel like creating somethings cool, go code it! Make an app or program for it!

Key Vocabulary You Will Learn and Know!

TIP: Check out the activities connected with these words on BrainPop and BrainPop, Jr.!

• Computer Science and Coding By BrainPop This is a collection of videos and games about computer science (some below).
• Creative Coding by BrainPop Tons of different BrainPop videos that connect computer coding to the content we interact everyday. Really cool!
• Computer Programming by BrainPop Jr Learn more about how a computer program is a set of instructions a computer follows to do something. Writing and drawing tools, games, movie-making tools, and apps on a tablet or phone are all computer programs.
• Computers by BrainPopLearn about the basics about how computers work!
• Parts of a Computer by BrainPop Jr. Learn about the different components of making a computer.
• Computational Thinking by BrainPop Jr. Learn about a way to understand a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts and creating steps to solve it. You do this already!
• Cloud Computing by BrainPop Learn about the "cloud" or network of powerful data centers connected by the Internet
• Computer History by Brainpop Tim and Moby will guide you through the history of computers.
• Computer Programming by BrainPop Discover how people write commands in computer languages called code, and how code is broken down into step-by-step procedures called algorithms.
• Check out Mr. Czarka's computer science 'skills' from his college classes. Search for "python" or "grafitti" to see my projects where he had to write code to solve problems in the world. He used coding and science. How would you grade my work? Use the writing resources below!

Getting Ready to Write an Informational Writing Piece*

Below is the "framework" good informational writers (like you!) use to develop their information writing. Follow these steps!

1. Choose a topic.
2. Plan for how each chapter or part will go.
3. Plan for ways to take notes and jot ideas.
4. Take notes, fitting what you learn into your plan.
5. Plan for teaching others as a way to rehearse for writing.
   • What do I want my audience to learn?
   • What will interest my audience?
   • What will confuse my audience?

*Materials from © 2014 by Lucy Calkins and Colleagues from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project from Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing (firsthand: Portsmouth, NH). Thank you TCRWP for inspiring my students to become confident writers.