Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Learning Coach Guide Contents 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 7 course. Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please take time to 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 of the units 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. That may mean helping them type information or 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 7, your learner will use the foundations they learned in previous science courses to explore concepts related to physical science and life science. Throughout the course, learners will apply scientific thinking and STEAM skills as they explore problems, ask questions, and develop solutions using science-related concepts. 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 science writing skills to show clarity and understanding of the content, to communicate results and to defend an argument or draw a conclusion; relate forces to the world around you; relate energy to living things and Earth’s environment; describe the characteristics that make an organism alive; relate cellular organelles to the function of the cell as a whole; and describe the role of chemical bonds in maintaining energy for living things. Course Format This section will help you understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio. Lesson Components: Each day, your learner will spend 50–60 minutes completing an Honors Science 7 lesson. Some days may take less time, while other days 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 7 course, your learner will engage in lessons, assignments, projects, and quizzes. Within some lessons, there are lesson bundles. A lesson bundle is a collection of lessons that stack up to equal one full class period. On some days, learners will see bundles, such as a Knowledge Check and the daily lesson, or the combination of a Review and Quiz. Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day. Course Introduction Lesson: There is one Course Introduction 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. Prep for Success: At the beginning of each unit, your learner will find a Prep for Success. This component offers learners tips to be successful in the course, such as study tips, important software information, safety reminders, and more. 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 learner will see a vocabulary bundle. Your learner will complete the vocabulary bundle followed by the regular lesson. The vocabulary bundle contains a list of the objectives your learner will cover in the lesson, new vocabulary words, and prerequisite vocabulary words. Lesson: Honors Science 7 lessons are similar to your learner’s other classes. Each informative lesson includes three parts: Engage, Discover, and Show. Some lessons include an Optional: More to Explore section that provides additional information on that day’s topic. Review the information below to learn what to expect within each of these parts of a lesson. Example of a lesson bundle: In Honors Science 7, learners will see a specific bundle of lessons within one day. Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner through the lesson. Lesson Overview: Within the vocab component of each lesson 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 component 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. Optional: More to Explore: At the end of some lessons, an Optional: More to Explore activity will appear. This 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. All CCA assignments and projects include these components. Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will see the assessment overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, 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 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 back to 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 their work habits. In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes. Review: Before a quiz, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in a 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 10–15 points. Course Features This course includes and uses unique features such as: Science Labs: Science labs include hands-on or virtual investigations that provide learners with opportunities to engage in scientific practices and solve real-world problems. Curriculum Kit: Learners receive a box of science supplies that include materials for science labs and hands-on activities throughout the course. Lab Safety Tips: Learners are expected to use all science supplies as directed in a lesson. Lab safety procedures and tips are provided and are expected to be followed. Safety gear (goggles, aprons, and gloves) should be worn when directed. Honors Science Notebook: Learners will receive a science notebook in which they can take notes and reflect on their learning to support the online lesson. Notebooks will be used to collect data during science labs. Prerequisite Vocabulary: Prerequisite vocabulary is science vocabulary terms that learners should recall from previous science lessons or science courses. They are included in the notebook Glossary to review and reinforce important scientific terms. Science Career Spotlight: Learners will explore the work of different scientists, studying their research and fields of expertise, thereby connecting scientific concepts to potential career paths and real-world applications. Part C: Unit Information Forces Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will learn how forces help shape the world around them. They will learn how gravity affects objects on Earth and within the solar system, how the magnetic field influence objects on Earth, and how magnetism and electricity are related. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do gravity and magnetic fields influence objects in our everyday environment? How are electricity and magnetism related? What did you find most interesting about how forces shape our world? Unit Notables Your learner will construct a magnetic pendulum in the Exploring Magnetic Fields lesson. One tip is to ensure they use the provided materials carefully and follow the instructions closely for the best results. Kit Materials AA batteries (2), clear tape, colored pencils, compass, Electricity & Magnetism Kit, graph paper, ruler, Honors Science Notebook, small Phillips screwdriver Household Materials None Energy Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore how energy changes from one form to another and how potential and kinetic energy are related. They will also learn how humans use electricity to support their energy needs and will build a device that prevents thermal energy transfer in a system. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do potential and kinetic energy differ? How do insulators work to prevent heat loss, and where do we use them in our homes? What are the environmental impacts of generating electricity, and how can we minimize them? Unit Notables Learners will explore how electricians and engineers design electrical circuits, and then build their own working electric traffic light! One tip is to carefully follow the circuit diagram provided, ensuring all connections are secure to ensure proper functionality. Kit Materials AA batteries (2), calculator, Electricity & Magnetism Kit, Honors Science Notebook Household Materials None Characteristics of Living Things Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will use a microscope to explore the characteristics of living things. They will examine organisms from different domains of life, and compare and contrast those organisms. Your learner will investigate how living things function as systems. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How did caring for brine shrimp affect your understanding of their life cycle and habitat needs? What did you learn about the differences between archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes from your microscope investigations? Unit Notables Learners will hatch brine shrimp and use microscopes with care to examine and observe the brine shrimp. They will start with low magnification and gradually increase it to avoid damaging the delicate specimens. The unit will discuss whether to keep the brine shrimp as pets or follow proper disposal guidelines. Kit Materials AA batteries (3), bottled water, brine shrimp eggs, calculator, hatchery, Honors Science Notebook, magnifier, measuring spoons, microscope, microscope slides, noniodized salt, pipette, screwdriver, specimen Household Materials Small bowl or container Cells Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will learn about cells. They will learn how scientists developed cell theory and how the parts of a cell help it to function. They will also view cells through a microscope. At the end of the unit, your learner will design a model that depicts the parts of a cell as components in a city. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do the discoveries of early scientists contribute to our understanding of cells today? How is a living cell like a city? How are they different? How would you explain cell theory and its components to a friend? Unit Notables Your learner will investigate cells and identify organelle functions. Encourage them to create visual models depicting cell structure and function, which will aid in constructing their model illustrating how cells function similarly to a city. Kit Materials colored pencils, Honors Science Notebook, microscope, wooden box with prepared slides Household Materials None Growth and Reproduction Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore organism growth, development, and reproduction. Learners will examine how habitats, internal structures, and adaptations affect growth and reproduction. They will predict environmental impacts, analyze reproductive strategies, and model genetic differences in sexual and asexual reproduction. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How can human actions, such as habitat destruction or conservation efforts, affect the ability of different organisms to reproduce? What adaptations aid successful reproduction in their habitats? How do these adaptations ensure their survival? Unit Notables Your learner will analyze their first scientific article in this course. One tip is to guide them to choose between two articles based on their interests. Encourage them to focus on understanding key concepts and evidence presented. Kit Materials colored pencils, Honors Science Notebook, microscope, wooden box with prepared slides Household Materials None Light Unit Overview In this unit, learners will explore the properties and applications of light waves. They will learn to measure and describe light waves, investigate their role in creating color and photosynthesis, and explore the electromagnetic spectrum. The unit will also cover real-world applications of electromagnetic radiation in technology and everyday life. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do you think the properties of light waves contribute to the colors you see in the world? Can you provide a real-world example of how electromagnetic radiation is used in technology and explain the benefits it brings to society? Unit Notables Learners will experiment with creating different types of waves using simple materials like ropes or springs to gain a better understanding of wave properties. One tip is to vary the tension and amplitude of the rope or spring to observe how these factors affect the wavelength and frequency of the waves produced. Kit Materials colored pencils, Honors Science Notebook Household Materials None Chemical Reactions Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore how atoms combine and rearrange during chemical reactions. They will review the structure of an atom and apply that knowledge to chemical bonds. Your learner will also learn how to write a chemical reaction and use reasoning to demonstrate that the number of atoms remains the same before and after a chemical reaction. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How can you recognize signs that a chemical reaction has occurred? How do you think understanding chemical reactions might impact our daily lives, from cooking to cleaning? What are the key differences between chemical and physical changes? Can you provide examples of each? Unit Notables Your learner will use a variety of digital interactive activities to explore chemical reactions. They will practice writing and balancing chemical equations to apply the law of conservation of matter. One tip is to start by identifying reactants and products to understand atom rearrangement. Kit Materials colored pencils, Honors Science Notebook, microscope, wooden box with prepared slides Household Materials None Energy in Living Things Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore how energy and matter flow through ecosystems via photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They will analyze the carbon cycle and human impacts on climate change, focusing on energy transformations and carbon emissions. Through assignments and models, your learner will evaluate human activities and environmental change, proposing solutions. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions Why is the carbon cycle important for addressing environmental challenges? How do photosynthesis and cellular respiration contribute to the flow of energy and matter in ecosystems? What are some human activities that impact the carbon cycle, and how do they affect climate change? Unit Notables Your learner will analyze the relationship between agriculture, climate change, and food security. Encourage them to think critically about how shifts in climate patterns impact crop yields and food production systems globally. Kit Materials calculator, colored pencils, Honors Science Notebook Household Materials None Agriculture Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the complex processes that enable farmers to produce the food humans consume, including examining how the nitrogen cycle influences agricultural practices. Your learner will also analyze the journey of food from farms to tables and critically evaluate how modern farmers implement sustainable practices to ensure global food security for current and future generations. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions Why is integrated pest management (IPM) important, and how can it help minimize environmental impacts? What are some practical ways farmers can reduce nutrient pollution and its effects on local ecosystems? Did this unit make you think differently about your food choices? If so, how? If not, why not? Unit Notables Your learner will analyze real-world pest management studies. While reading the studies, one tip is to pay attention to the specific methods used in pest management and how they address both effectiveness and sustainability in agricultural practices. Kit Materials colored pencils, microscope, Honors Science Notebook, slide box Household Materials None
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
