The Eighth Grade Online Experience at Pennsylvania's Premier Cyber Charter School

Language Arts

Our Language Arts course encourages students to delve into literary analysis and close reading of various texts, including short stories, poetry, drama, novels, and informational texts. The focus is on interpreting literary works and analyzing informational texts, all while honing oral and written communication skills in standard English.

Students are encouraged to interpret literature and understand how the cultural context of a literary work contributes to its themes and ideas. Analysis of language, structure, and the various elements of information media helps students develop the information literacy skills they will need for academic success and navigating the world. Our emphasis on goal-setting, reflection, and self-monitoring helps students become metacognitive learners. The course includes discussion activities that engage students while creating a sense of community. 

Algebra

Our Algebra course prepares students for more advanced studies in algebra. Students solve linear equations and systems of equations, work with radical and integer exponents, and gain a conceptual understanding of functions and models. The course also emphasizes the Pythagorean theorem and explores similarity and congruence to prepare students for more advanced study in geometry, including the quantifying, scaling and alteration of shapes within a plane. 

Math 8

Grade 8 Math prepares students for more advanced algebra by introducing linear equations and systems of equations, as well as exponents, functions, and modeling. These ideas will be integrated with a deeper understanding of geometry and real-world problems. 

Physical Science

Our Physical Science course provides an overview of the physical world, equipping students with the tools and concepts to think clearly about matter, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, motion, force, momentum, work, machines, energy, waves, electricity, light, and other aspects of chemistry and physics.

World History

Our World History course continues a survey of World History from prehistoric to modern times. The course focuses on the story of the past from the fourteenth century to 1917 and the beginning of World War I. Major topics of study include the cultural rebirth of Europe during the Renaissance, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, rise of Islamic empires, changing civilizations in China, Japan, and Russia, and the transformations in communications and society at the turn of the Twentieth century.

Art

Our Art course is a follow-up to Art 7, designed for eighth-grade students. The course encourages students to converse about art and architecture and their function in modern society. They will analyze artworks and identify valid resources for the study of art history and the applied arts.

Students will do hands-on activities, engage in discussions, write assignments, and take assessments on art from all over the world. An important part of the course focuses on writing about art and the discussion of art historians.

Spotlight on Music

Our Spotlight on Music program promotes successful music learning as students continue to explore and build on their foundational skills. The program includes enriching musical experiences that help students understand music concepts. Students will enjoy a vast quality of musical experience through interactive learning activities like focused listening, singing, dancing, and playing instruments like the recorder. Spotlight on Music provides opportunities for students to make meaningful connections with math, language arts, science, social studies, and other subjects.

Health & Physical Education

In our eighth-grade Physical Education course, students are exposed to various physical activities and fitness concepts that contribute to their overall physical activity level. The course gives students fitness knowledge and skills that can be incorporated into their lives now and in the future. They will learn about heart rate, fitness testing, goal setting, flexibility, aerobic/anaerobic exercise, strength training, and both individual and team athletics. 

Business, Computers, and Information Technology

Our Business, Computers, and Information Technology course provides students with real-life instruction of various societal experiences they will encounter later in life. Topics covered include budgeting, entrepreneurship, coding, Microsoft Office Suite, management, digital citizenship, and the basics of information technology.