Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Learning Coach Guide Contents Supporting Your Learner ……………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Course Features …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11 Information Processing Unit ………………………………………………………………………………………..13 Ecosystem Interactions Unit ……………………………………………………………………………………..…14 Natural Resources Unit ………………………………………………………………………………………………..15 Natural Hazards Unit ……………………………………………………………………………………………………16 The History of the Planet Earth Unit …………………………………………………………………………….17 Ancestry and Diversity Unit ………………………………………………………………………………………….18 Natural Selection and Adaptation Unit ……………………………………………………………….………. 19 Inheritance of Traits Unit ……………………………………………………………………………………………..20 Human Impacts on Earth Systems Unit ………………………………………………………………………..21 Global Climate Change Unit …………………………………………………………………………………………22 Part A Welcome Letter Dear Learning Coach, Thank you for partnering with CCA and investing in your learner’s education. This Learning Coach Guide is intended to help you support your learner in their Honors Science 8 course. Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please read and review this information, so you understand how to help your learner interact with all the course’s elements. The Learning Coach Guide also includes information about each unit in this course. On each page of unit information, you will discover the following. The Unit Overview will tell you what the focus, content, and skills of the unit will be. The Unit Assessment section is a place for you and your learner to preview the graded work in the course. At the start of each unit, work with your learner to look at the unit in edio and find out which types of graded work are in this unit. Write them in the box, and use it as a checklist. You can check off each one as your learner completes it. The Unit Materials section tells you the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in this unit. You will also find the materials list repeated within each lesson so that your learner has exactly what they need at the right time. The Unit Discussion Questions are optional questions that you may want to ask your learner during the unit to increase home and school connections about what your learner is studying. In the Unit Notables section, you may find optional activities, career connections, technology tips, ideas to help your learner if they get stuck, or safety tips. CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year! Supporting Your Learner Your role as a Learning Coach is very important. Here are a few ways you can help your learner do their very best in the course. Help your learner know what time guided or live class instruction is scheduled for, and prompt them to attend sessions or watch recordings. Remember, it is okay for your learner to get stuck. Learning new material takes time. Encourage them to take breaks, keep trying, and even ask the teacher for help. Help your learner navigate technology. This could include helping them type information, save important documents to their desktop, and upload work into edio. Always encourage your learner to do their very best. Review the course syllabus for your learner’s course. Maintain communication with your learner’s teacher. Part B Course Information Part B: Course Information Course Goals In Honors Science 8, your learner will use the foundations they learned in previous science courses to explore concepts related to life science, including senses, ecosystems, natural selection, adaptations, and genetics. By the end of the year, your learner will be able to: make observations, raise questions, and formulate hypotheses; create and interpret graphs and diagrams using data collected through scientific investigations; relate scientific concepts across disciplines; demonstrate critical thinking skills to analyze facts and form conclusions; evaluate historical scientific models for relevance to modern events; improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis skills that can be broadly transferred to other disciplines; develop scientific writing skills to show clarity and understanding of the content, to communicate results, and to defend an argument or draw a conclusion; describe how the brain is able to detect, process, and use information about the environment; identify changes in the environment and their effects on the environment; discuss the Earth’s planetary history and how humans are changing the planet; explain how genetic traits are inherited across generations; discuss evidence and ideas that support the relationship between different species; and analyze, critique, and develop solutions for current and potential future environmental problems. Course Format This section will help you to understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio. Lesson Components: Each day, your learner will spend 45 to 60 minutes completing an Honors Science 8 lesson. Some days may take less time, while others may take a little more time. The lesson does not need to be completed in one sitting. Encourage your learner to take short breaks as they need. Lesson Bundling: In the Honors Science 8 course, your learner will engage in lessons, assignments, projects, labs, quizzes, and tests. Within some lessons, there are lesson bundles. Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day. Course Organization Lesson: There is one Course Organization lesson in this course. It can be found on Day 1 of Unit 1. This lesson includes important information about the course and contact information for your teacher. Unit Overview: Each unit will include a unit overview. This describes what your learner will learn in the unit and how many assessments the unit will have. Knowledge Check: There will be one Knowledge Check in each unit. The Knowledge Check is designed to check prior learning and understanding of key skills and concepts that will be taught in the unit. The Knowledge Check is not a graded assessment. Vocabulary: On most lesson days, your learners will see a vocabulary bundle. Your learner will complete a vocabulary bundle followed by the regular lesson. The vocabulary bundle contains a list of the objectives your learner will learn in the lesson, new vocabulary words, and prerequisite vocabulary words. Lesson: Honors Science 8 lessons are similar to your learner’s other classes. Each informative lesson comprises three parts: Engage, Discover, and Show. Some lessons would have an Optional: More to Explore section that will provide additional information on that day’s topic. Review the information below to learn what to expect in each of these parts of a lesson. Lesson Components: Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner through the lesson. Lesson Overview: At the beginning of every lesson, within the vocabulary bundle, your learner will see the lesson overview. This section contains lesson objectives, lesson vocabulary, materials your learner will need for the lesson, and the suggested lesson length. Engage: The first section of the lesson is Engage. In this section, learners will be introduced to the lesson by making a connection to past and present knowledge and will get ready for the lesson’s instruction. Discover: New content and instruction is presented in the Discover section. Your learner will interact with the lesson content through defined vocabulary terms, videos, audio, and Pause and Think activities. Your learner will be able to practice and answer questions as they work through the lesson. Some of these practice questions are auto-scored. Optional: More to Explore: At the end of some lessons, an Optional: More to Explore Activity will appear. The activity will introduce your learner to an extension that includes more information about the day’s lesson topic. Your learner may skip the activity and move directly to the lesson summary. Show: Learners will demonstrate what they have learned in the lesson through a series of practice questions. Wrap Up: This section recaps the day’s objectives and prepares learners for a future lesson or assessment. The course includes assignments and projects. These graded assignments allow your learner to show what they have learned and apply their new skills and knowledge learned during the lessons. All CCA assignments and projects include these components. Assignments and Projects Components: Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will review the assessment overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, the length of the assessment, and directions for completion. Plan: In the Plan section, learners will be introduced to the assignment or project. Learners may be provided with a review of content from the previous lessons, strategies for completing the activity, graphic organizers, and grading rubrics. Do: Learners put their plan into action and work to complete the assignment or the project successfully. This section also provides the grading expectations and/or rubric the teacher will use to grade the work. Reflect: In Reflect, learners will think about the work they completed. They will reflect upon the experience and analyze how well they completed the task. These moments of reflection are important and allow learners to think about their learning and work habits. In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes. Quiz Review: Before a quiz, learners will have the opportunity to review the vocabulary and content that they will be assessed on in the quiz. Quiz: A quiz may be given at the end of a topic or the end of a unit. A quiz will usually be worth 10 to 15 points. Quizzes can include a variety of questions such as multiple choice, short answer, and long answer questions. Course Features In order to best engage your learner, Honors Science 8 uses some additional features that are unique to this course. This course includes and uses the following unique features: Scientific Word Charts: Scientific word charts show your learner how to break a word apart to understand what it means. As your learner reviews the scientific word chart, they will begin to recognize some of the common word parts used in science. Interactive Games: In this course, your learner will sometimes check their understanding of lesson content by playing an interactive game. Learners can test their knowledge of lesson content by playing the game for as long as they want. Honors Science 8 Workbook In Honors Science 8, your learner will use the Honors Science 8 Workbook in conjunction with the majority of their lessons in edio. The Honors Science 8 Workbook consists of note pages to record main ideas, “Show What You Learned” pages to summarize the lesson and check for understanding, a glossary of definitions of terms, and appendices. Honors Science 8 Materials Kit: Your learner should have received a box that contains the supplies they will use during this course. The Honors Science 8 Materials Kit contains most of the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in Honors Science 8. Take a few minutes to verify that your learner’s Honors Science 8 Materials Kit contains all of the materials they need. The materials list is in Appendix A: Honors Science 8 Kit Contents. Part C: Unit Information Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the sense receptor and how each sense receptor responds to different inputs, transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. Your learner will also explore how signals are processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What did you find interesting or surprising about the article you chose to analyze? What did you learn from the article? What is a reflex response? How is memory stored in the brain? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will analyze a scientific article for the first time in the course. They will choose one of three articles. If they need assistance, guide them to choose an article that most interests them. Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook 20-centimeters ruler, colored construction paper, mint candies, paper clips Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will observe how ecosystem characteristics vary over time. They will explore how disruptions to any part of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all of its populations. Your learner will also study the concept that completeness or integrity of an ecosystem’s biodiversity is often used as a measure of its health. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What did you learn from the ecosystem project? Would you have designed the project differently? What are examples of patterns that occur in nature? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete a project to design a solution to an ecosystem concern. Help your learner to consider factors that impact their local ecosystem. Then, encourage them to brainstorm ideas to address these concerns. The goal of the project is for your learner to generate potential solutions that can help benefit and improve the environment in your local area. Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Natural Resources Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore how humans depend on Earth’s land, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere for different resources. They will discover that many resources are limited or not renewable. Your learner will also examine resource distribution around the plant. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What was the most important part of your message in the public service announcement? Did the project encourage you to think differently about the consumption of energy by humans? What are the dangers of hazardous waste? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete a project to research how humans consume energy. Your learner will choose their energy source topic to research. Encourage your learner to choose a topic that is most interesting to them. On day 2 of the project, they will create public service announcements to showcase their research. Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook dish towel, geodes, rock pick, safety goggles Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Natural Hazards Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will study the different types of natural hazards. They will analyze the various risks of natural hazards. They will learn about warning systems and the different natural hazard risks in different areas of the United States. Your learner will also learn to map the history of natural hazards in a region and understand related geological forces. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do natural hazards affect individuals and societies? What are some real-world examples of natural hazards? Why is emergency planning necessary? How effective are warning systems? How effective is modern natural hazard construction? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will study different types of natural hazards, emergency planning, and warning systems. They will complete a regional risk assignment to learn the different natural hazard risks in different areas of the United States. Talk to your learner about the topic to let them know it is important to be informed to stay safe from natural hazards. Kit Materials 10 paper clips, coarse sand, fine sand, foam tray, Hazards and Humans Student Workbook, Hazards and Humans kit box, Honors Science 8 Workbook, masking tape, modeling dough, pebbles, red crayon, zip-close bags, water Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will study Earth’s early history. They will analyze different types of fossils and fossil formation. Your learner will also learn to interpret fossil formation. They will then use their knowledge to complete an assignment to further analyze fossils. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some examples of fossils? What are some events that have occurred through time to form Earth as known today? What did you learn from the Fossil Find Assignment? What more would you like to learn about fossils? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete the Fossil Find Assignment. This assignment requires several Honors Science 8 Kit Materials and water from home. Help your learner locate and organize the materials necessary for this assignment. Encourage them to keep a neat and organized workspace as they complete each step of this assignment. Kit Materials Beneath Our Feet Student Workbook, coral fossil, construction paper, craft stick, dinosaur bone fragment, flat box, Fossil Study Kit, fossilized shark tooth, graph paper, Honors Science 8 Workbook, metal probing tool, paintbrush, plaster of Paris, plastic graduated cup, probing tool, sand Household Materials water Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Ancestry and Diversity Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the process of fossilization and what fossils reveal about the history of Earth. They will study how Earth’s past is pieced together with different evidence and learn about the five mass extinctions. They will also learn how biogeography relates to evolution as well as adaptive radiation and specifically look to the Galapagos Islands to see what makes that location a beacon for scientific study. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do you think ancient organisms compare to modern organism? Why does the location of fossils help us to understand ancient continents? What ways did mass extinctions contribute to diversification of ancient organisms? How does the field of paleontology help us today? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will learn about geologic time and how the fossil record helps us understand ancient organisms. They will complete an assignment where they must make detailed observations and examine evidence. Learners will conduct a lab where they will use their knowledge to determine the relative age of fossils. Help your learner identify patterns in the fossil record and pronounce complex terms. Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will learn the process that leads to new adaptations appearing within a species. They explore how different adaptations provide advantages. They will examine how studying the characteristics of different organisms provides evidence for shared ancestors. They will also explore how humans use the concept of natural selection to introduce artificial changes within species. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some ways that adaptations help organisms survive? How did the finches provide evidence for natural selection? How is evolution a scientific fact and scientific theory? What way are artificial selection used today? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will learn about the processes of natural selection and theory of evolution. It is important to discuss common misconceptions about scientific theories. They will write a scientific argument using Claim-Evidence -Reasoning. Learners will also do a project where they take on the role of a bird foraging for food. Kit Materials aluminum pie pans, colored pencils, dry beans, dry rice, Honors Science 8 Workbook, mints, plastic cutlery set, timer Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Inheritance of Traits Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will learn about concepts in genetics, inheritance, and natural selection. The mechanisms of underlying genetic variation and how natural selection increases the frequency of particular characteristic variants in a group are explored. They will create and apply models to explain how sexual reproduction and gene mutations contribute to genetic variation. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some traits that you inherited from your parents? Can you identify some acquired and inherited traits that you have? How do mutations result in changes in populations of organisms? How can understanding recessive and dominant traits influence artificial selection? Unit Notables In this unit, learners will make connections between genetics and evolutionary change. Learners will participate in a hands-on lab where they taste test, record results, and analyze data to determine their likely taste sensitivity genotype: normal tester, standard supertaster, recessive supertaster, or dominant supertaster! Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook, Supertaster Genetic Test Kit Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Human Impacts on Earth Systems Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will build on their understanding of the ways that human activities affect Earth’s systems. They will analyze the environmental impacts of using natural resources. They will also explore the impacts of growing human populations. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some habits you could to to reduce waste produced at home? How do you think companies can reduce the environmental impact of new technologies? What are some of your needs and wants? How is the human population changing? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will analyze the ways human activity impact Earth’s systems. Your learner will track the garbage thrown away over a three day period and need to collect data. It may be helpful to have the family help document waste during this assignment. They analyze their collected data to identify patterns and develop an action plan to reduce their garbage footprint. Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the mechanisms that control Earth’s global temperatures. They will examine how natural and human-related activities alter global temperatures and climate conditions. They will use data to identify how the increase in greenhouse gases leads to rising temperatures and consider ways to reduce human impacts on the environment. Unit Assessments Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How has human activity impacted global climate change? What evidence supports current trends in global climate change? How do you think global climate change can impact your daily life? What changes can you make to reduce your impact on global climate change? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will make connections between human activity and global climate change. They will complete a digital project where they will analyze data collected about average temperature and greenhouse gases. Learners may need assistance navigating the interactive. Discuss with your learner cause and effect to understand how human activity results in changes in global climate change. Kit Materials Honors Science 8 Workbook Household Materials none Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
