Computers are sort of like our own bodies – lots of complex systems working together to (hopefully) keep everything running smoothly.

And while it may take several years to understand the full ins and outs of both computer systems and the human body, learning some basic principles can help us in the long run.

That’s the idea behind Computer Science Education Week’s “Hour of Code” program – a nationwide campaign to get students interested in computer science. Through an interactive Web platform, the campaign offers lessons in computer coding aimed at every age group.

“Science is all about discovering how things work,” said Olympus Jr. High science teacher JoAnne Brown. “We use these products everyday; and if you can figure out how they work, you have a much greater advantage.”

Like many teachers throughout country, JoAnne took advantage of the programs offered through the “Hour of Code” website to help her students learn how computer systems function through coding.

“It’s much easier than they initially assume,” she said.