Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
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 Science 8 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:
CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year!
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.
In 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:
This section will help you to understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio.
Lesson Components:
Each day, your learner will spend 45–60 minutes completing a 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 Science 8 course, your learner will engage in lessons, assignments, projects, 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.
See example below.
Lesson Components:
In science 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.
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.
Assignments and Projects Components:
In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes.
Quiz Components:
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:
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 would like.
Science 8 Workbook:In Science 8, your learner will use the Science 8 Workbook in conjunction with the majority of their lessons in edio. The Science 8 Workbook consists of note pages to record main ideas, “Show What You Learned” pages to summarize the lesson and check for understanding, and a glossary of definition of terms.
Science 8 Kit: The Science 8 Kit contains most of the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in Science 8. Take a few minutes to verify that your learner’s Science 8 Materials Kit contains all of the materials they need.
Unit Overview
In this unit, learners will explore the sense receptor, an organ having nerve endings, such as in the eye or ear, and how each respond to different inputs or stimuli, transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. Your learner will also explore how signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories.
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
What did you find most interesting in this unit?
What concept in this unit would you like to know more about?
What do you remember about how a nerve cell transmits impulses?
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 choosing an article that most interests them.
Kit Materials
colored pencils, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, learners will explore the sense receptor, an organ having nerve endings, such as in the eye or ear, and how each respond to different inputs or stimuli, transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. Your learner will also explore how signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories.
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
What did you find most interesting in this unit?
What concept in this unit would you like to know more about?
What do you remember about how a nerve cell transmits impulses?
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 choosing an article that most interests them.
Kit Materials
colored pencils, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will observe how ecosystem characteristics vary over time. They will explore that disruptions to any part of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all 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
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
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
colored pencils, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will observe how ecosystem characteristics vary over time. They will explore that disruptions to any part of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all 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
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
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
colored pencils, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
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 resources distribution around the plant.
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 humans depend on Earth’s resources?
Did the project encourage you to think differently about the consumption of energy by humans?
What did you find interesting about this unit?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will study ways that humans consume energy. Encourage your learner think about the types of energy they use and the ways in which they use energy. Encourage them to think about the impacts of different energy use on the environment. Also encourage them to brainstorm some solutions to energy use.
Kit Materials
colored pencils, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
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 resources distribution around the plant.
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 humans depend on Earth’s resources?
Did the project encourage you to think differently about the consumption of energy by humans?
What did you find interesting about this unit?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will study ways that humans consume energy. Encourage your learner think about the types of energy they use and the ways in which they use energy. Encourage them to think about the impacts of different energy use on the environment. Also encourage them to brainstorm some solutions to energy use.
Kit Materials
colored pencils, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
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
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
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 unexpected about this unit?
What are the dangers of hazardous waste?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will study ways that humans consume energy. Encourage your learner think about the types of energy they use and the ways in which they use energy. Encourage them to think about the impacts of different energy use on the environment. Also, encourage them to brainstorm some solutions to energy use.
Kit Materials
10 paper clips, Home Science Tools: Hazards and Humans Kit, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
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
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
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 unexpected about this unit?
What are the dangers of hazardous waste?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will study ways that humans consume energy. Encourage your learner think about the types of energy they use and the ways in which they use energy. Encourage them to think about the impacts of different energy use on the environment. Also, encourage them to brainstorm some solutions to energy use.
Kit Materials
10 paper clips, Home Science Tools: Hazards and Humans Kit, Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
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 so learn about to interpret fossil formation. They will then use your knowledge to complete an assignment to further analyze fossils.
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 so learn about to interpret fossil formation. They will then use your knowledge to complete an assignment to further analyze fossils.
Unit Assessments
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.
Unit Assessments
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.
Kit Materials
coral fossil, craft stick, dinosaur bone, fragment, flat box, fossilized shark tooth, graph paper, Home Science Tools: Beneath Our Feet Kit, Science 8 Workbook, metal probing tool, paintbrush, plaster of Paris, plastic graduated cup
sand
Kit Materials
coral fossil, craft stick, dinosaur bone, fragment, flat box, fossilized shark tooth, graph paper, Home Science Tools: Beneath Our Feet Kit, Science 8 Workbook, metal probing tool, paintbrush, plaster of Paris, plastic graduated cup
sand
Household Materials
water
Household Materials
water
Unit Discussion Questions
What are some examples of fossils?
What are some events that have occurred through time to form Earth as we know it today?
What did you learn from the Fossil Find Assignment?
What more would you like to learn about fossils?
Unit Discussion Questions
What are some examples of fossils?
What are some events that have occurred through time to form Earth as we know it 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 Science 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 at the complete each step of this assignment.
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete the Fossil Find Assignment. This assignment requires several Science 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 at the complete each step of this assignment.
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will study the fossil record. They will analyze how the fossil record documents the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of many life forms and their environments throughout Earth’s history. They will also study how the fossil record and comparisons of anatomical similarities between organisms enable the inference of lines of evolutionary descent.
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
What is the impact of a mass extinction on species variety?
What evidence shows that different species are related?
What are some interesting things that paleontologists do in their career?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete their first lab of the course. During the lab, your learner will Imagine they are the lead paleontologist supervising a dig site in a desert. Encourage your learner to research a career as a paleontologist. They can research questions like: What are the job requirements of a paleontologist? What are the education requirements to become a paleontologist?
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will study the fossil record. They will analyze how the fossil record documents the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of many life forms and their environments throughout Earth’s history. They will also study how the fossil record and comparisons of anatomical similarities between organisms enable the inference of lines of evolutionary descent.
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
What is the impact of a mass extinction on species variety?
What evidence shows that different species are related?
What are some interesting things that paleontologists do in their career?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete their first lab of the course. During the lab, your learner will Imagine they are the lead paleontologist supervising a dig site in a desert. Encourage your learner to research a career as a paleontologist. They can research questions like: What are the job requirements of a paleontologist? What are the education requirements to become a paleontologist?
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Assessments
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.
Unit Assessments
Quiz ___________________________
Test ___________________________
Assignment __________________
Project _______________________
Exam _________________________
Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will analyze how both natural and artificial selection result from certain traits giving some individuals in a population an advantage in survival and reproduction. They will study how species can change over time in response to changes in environmental conditions through adaptation by natural selection acting over generations. Your learner will also study traits that support successful survival and reproduction in the new environment become more common.
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will analyze how both natural and artificial selection result from certain traits giving some individuals in a population an advantage in survival and reproduction. They will study how species can change over time in response to changes in environmental conditions through adaptation by natural selection acting over generations. Your learner will also study traits that support successful survival and reproduction in the new environment become more common.
Unit Discussion Questions
What did you find most interesting in this unit?
What concept in this unit would you like to know more about?
Unit Discussion Questions
What did you find most interesting in this unit?
What concept in this unit would you like to know more about?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete the Birds on an Island Lab. This lab is made up of two parts that will occur on different days. Encourage your learner to stay organized. They should complete all requirements on Day 1 of the lab. Then, they should be sure to save important data from Day 1 to assist them in their completion of the lab on Day 2.
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete the Birds on an Island Lab. This lab is made up of two parts that will occur on different days. Encourage your learner to stay organized. They should complete all requirements on Day 1 of the lab. Then, they should be sure to save important data from Day 1 to assist them in their completion of the lab on Day 2.
Household Materials
none
Household Materials
none
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will study how traits are inherited and passed along from one generation to the next. They will also learn how to use a punnett square to make predictions about the likelihood of trait inheritance from parent to offspring.
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
What is something that surprised you in this unit?
What did you learn about making predictions in this unit?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will learn how to use a Punnett square to make predictions about inheritance. Once a Punnett square is complete, your learner will interpret it to calculate the trait percentage. Using a Punnett square is much like completing a math problem. Practice makes perfect. Encourage your learner to practice Punnett square problems and reach out to their teacher immediately if there is any confusion.
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook, Super Taster Test Kit
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will study how traits are inherited and passed along from one generation to the next. They will also learn how to use a punnett square to make predictions about the likelihood of trait inheritance from parent to offspring.
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
What is something that surprised you in this unit?
What did you learn about making predictions in this unit?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will learn how to use a Punnett square to make predictions about inheritance. Once a Punnett square is complete, your learner will interpret it to calculate the trait percentage. Using a Punnett square is much like completing a math problem. Practice makes perfect. Encourage your learner to practice Punnett square problems and reach out to their teacher immediately if there is any confusion.
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook, Super Taster Test Kit
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will discover how human activities have altered the biosphere. They will examine ways human activity has damaged the biosphere or has changed the environment to the point in which it impacts different living things. Your learner will also study activities and technologies that have been engineered to reduce people’s impact on Earth.
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
In what ways have humans changed the planet through time?
What have you learned about how humans can negatively affect the environment?
In what ways can you have a positive effect on the environment?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will learn how human activity can negatively impact the environment. Encourage your learner to assess the ways in which they have an impact on the environment. Ask them to think of ways they can change their activities to ensure they impact the environment in a negative way as little as possible. Focus on topics like alternative energy and conservation.
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will discover how human activities have altered the biosphere. They will examine ways human activity has damaged the biosphere or has changed the environment to the point in which it impacts different living things. Your learner will also study activities and technologies that have been engineered to reduce people’s impact on Earth.
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
In what ways have humans changed the planet through time?
What have you learned about how humans can negatively affect the environment?
In what ways can you have a positive effect on the environment?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will learn how human activity can negatively impact the environment. Encourage your learner to assess the ways in which they have an impact on the environment. Ask them to think of ways they can change their activities to ensure they impact the environment in a negative way as little as possible. Focus on topics like alternative energy and conservation.
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will investigate the topic of global climate change. They will learn about both natural occurrences and human activities that contribute to the issue of climate change. Your learner will examine solutions to global climate change such as alternative energy and conservation efforts. Finally, your learner will analyze the concept of environmental justice to learn about inconsistencies in environmental quality worldwide.
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
What are some contributing factors to the problem of global climate change?
What are some solutions to protect the environment against climate change?
What is environmental justice? Can you explain an example?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete a project on global climate change. To begin this project, your learner should select an environmental factor or issue that contributes to climate change. Encourage them to choose a topic they learned about in one of the Global Climate Change Unit lessons or another topic that is particularly interesting or important to them.
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Unit Overview
In this unit, your learner will investigate the topic of global climate change. They will learn about both natural occurrences and human activities that contribute to the issue of climate change. Your learner will examine solutions to global climate change such as alternative energy and conservation efforts. Finally, your learner will analyze the concept of environmental justice to learn about inconsistencies in environmental quality worldwide.
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
What are some contributing factors to the problem of global climate change?
What are some solutions to protect the environment against climate change?
What is environmental justice? Can you explain an example?
Unit Notables
In this unit, your learner will complete a project on global climate change. To begin this project, your learner should select an environmental factor or issue that contributes to climate change. Encourage them to choose a topic they learned about in one of the Global Climate Change Unit lessons or another topic that is particularly interesting or important to them.
Kit Materials
Science 8 Workbook
Household Materials
none
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.