Intended for children from kindergarten through the sixth grade, this booklet teaches about the computer and provides instruction in computer programming in the BASIC language. Thirteen sequential lessons are provided to encourage independent study. Each lesson consists of a set of four pages and explains a BASIC command or statement, presents several activities, and includes a brief test. The booklet is written for use with the Apple microcomputer; however, instructions are given for adapting the material to the TRS-80 and the TI-99 microcomputers. Following the first page, which provides an overview and instructions for the teacher, the student materials are presented. The first lesson includes an introduction, a description of the parts of the computer, and an explanation of BASIC commands. The commands and topics which are covered in the remaining 12 lessons are: "print"; "goto"; "input"; "if then"; writing mathematics programs; "for next"; use of "greater than" and "less than" symbols; random numbers; variables; use of BASIC in mathematics; "gosub"; "read"; and "data." A test answer key and a student contract are included. This document is part of a collection of materials from the Iowa Area Education Agency 7 Teacher Center project. (DC)