In the current object-oriented paradigm, software construction increasingly involves creating and utilizing "software components". These components can serve a variety of functions, from common algorithmic processes to database connectivity to graphical interfaces. The advantage of component architectures is that programmers can use pre-existing components to simplify their programming tasks and to facilitate rapid application development. In the Java world, components are implemented as Java Beans, which can be used in most Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) to construct user interface designs via form builders. This article describes a programming assignment for an advanced information systems course in which students create a graphical software component. In addition, the article discusses potential follow-up assignments in which the component can be used in useful software applications. (Contains 5 figures.)