PACT Secondary Campus

Advisory & Leadership 6-8
Course Numbers: 901, 902
Semesters: 2

This course meets on Mondays. Every student will be enrolled in an advisory course. During advisory, students will receive updates on school events, refine their study skills, and develop positive character traits. Advisory also serves as a place for students to track their academic progress and register for upcoming classes. Students will remain with the same advisor for multiple years. This course is graded and counts toward students’ GPAs.
 

Panther Plus
Course Number: RE7500
Semesters: 2

Panther Plus is a flexible learning period that provides students with additional academic support, enrichment opportunities, and extended learning time. Held Tuesday through Friday, Panther Plus allows students to participate in teacher-led sessions, receive targeted assistance, or explore advanced coursework. Using the Responsive Schedule tool in Infinite Campus, students can view pre-assigned sessions or select sessions based on availability.

Language Arts 8

Course Numbers: 1007, 1008
Semesters: 2

This course is designed to help students become dynamic communicators, creative thinkers, and avid readers. Students will continue developing their grammatical skills and applying them in weekly composition assignments. Literature that inspires, entertains, and teaches valuable life lessons will be introduced, with the hope that students will learn to love literature and to read in general. Students may be placed in honors based on teacher recommendation.

Honors Language Arts 8

Course Numbers: 1009, 1010
Semesters: 2

Prerequisite: Earned a B or higher in Language Arts 7

Honors Language Arts 8 cultivates dynamic communication, innovative thinking, and a deep passion for literature. Going beyond the standard, students will refine their grammatical proficiency through advanced exercises and apply these skills in nuanced weekly composition assignments. The curated literary selections are chosen to inspire and entertain, and to impart valuable life lessons, fostering a profound appreciation for literature and a love of reading. This honors course is structured to challenge students intellectually, encouraging them to engage critically with the written word and emerge as adept communicators and discerning readers. Students may be placed in honors based on teacher recommendation.

Algebra 1

Course Numbers: 3007, 3008
Semesters: 2

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra

This course covers basic algebraic concepts.  It provides the foundation for more advanced mathematics and science courses and will develop the skills needed to solve mathematical problems. It stresses both the structure and the development of theoretical and real-world problem-solving. Topics covered include order of operations, distributive property, solving equations using properties of equality, graphing inequalities, solving inequalities, ratios and rates, proportions, inductive reasoning, linear equations, the slope of a line, solving a system of equations, exponents, polynomials, and solving quadratic equations. Students may be placed in honors based on teacher recommendation.

Honors Algebra 1

Course Numbers: 3009, 3010
Semesters: 2

Prerequisite: Earned a B or higher in Pre-Algebra

The Honors Algebra 1 course offers an enriched exploration of fundamental algebraic concepts, providing a rigorous foundation for advanced studies in mathematics and science. This course is designed to cultivate the essential skills needed to solve intricate mathematical problems, emphasizing structural elements and applying theoretical concepts to real-world problem-solving scenarios. Topics covered encompass a comprehensive range, including order of operations, distributive property, equation solving using properties of equality, graphing inequalities, solving inequalities, ratios and rates, proportions, inductive reasoning, linear equations, the slope of a line, solving systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, and the solution of quadratic equations. The Honors Algebra 1 curriculum encourages a deeper understanding and mastery of algebraic principles, preparing students for the challenges of advanced mathematical coursework. Students may be placed in honors based on teacher recommendation.

Math Course Sequence

Students progress through math courses based on their individual readiness and the completion of prior courses. To meet high school graduation requirements, all students must complete Geometry and Algebra 2.

Physical Science 8

Course Numbers: 4005, 4006
Semesters: 2

Physical Science is designed to be a foundation for other high school science courses. It is a course that integrates principles of chemistry and physics. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, process skills, and higher-order thinking skills. Aligned to the grade 8 Minnesota Science Standards in Physical Science.

Global Studies 8

Course Numbers: 2005, 2006
Semesters: 2

This course covers geography as the lead discipline, with a secondary emphasis on contemporary world history. Students explore the regions of the world.  They analyze key trends in the modern world, including demographic change, shifting trade patterns, and intensified cultural interactions driven by globalization. Students participate in civic discussions on contemporary issues, conduct historical inquiry, and study events over the last half-century that have shaped the contemporary world. They analyze the connections among revolutions, independence movements, and social transformations, and understand why modern nation-states are created. They learn that governments are based on different political philosophies and serve various purposes. By learning the economic principles of trade and the factors that affect economic growth, students understand why different standards of living exist across countries.

PE 8

Course Number: 5104, 5108
Semesters: 2

This course provides the knowledge and skills to understand the importance of developing and maintaining health-related fitness. Students will evaluate their personal fitness levels and set goals for improvement. Students will participate in activities that support the overall goal of fitness and the development of a healthy lifestyle.

Art 8

Course Numbers: 5011
Semesters: 1

This course focuses on various projects that develop essential art skills and concepts. Students will enjoy learning about and applying the elements of art and design principles that will enhance their efforts in other curricula through emergent artistic abilities and hands-on confidence.

Computer Skills for All Careers 8

Course Number: 5204, 5205
Semesters: 2

Computer Skills covers career-related computing standards in the following areas: hardware, operating systems, applications, networks, and the internet, cybersecurity, and programming. Students also work to improve their typing speed and accuracy. In this class, employability skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking are reinforced regularly through project-based learning.

FACS 8

Course Number: 5301
Semesters: 1

In this Family and Consumer Science course, students investigate the concepts of Careers, Consumerism, Nutrition, Wellness, and Food Preparation. Through various learning experiences, students develop decision-making skills and technical reading and math skills. Students learn to plan and prepare nutritious foods, maintain a clean, safe food-preparation environment, and analyze how food affects the body.

Woods 8

Course Number: 5401
Semesters: 1

Explore the world of wood technology in this course. We'll cover the history, key elements, and practical skills involved in woodworking. Get hands-on experience with a variety of projects and learn essential techniques such as cutting, joining, and finishing.

Varsity Band 8

Course Numbers: 5022, 5023
Semesters: 2

This course provides students with opportunities to learn and perform on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The primary focus is on developing advanced skills for effective instrumental music performance. Students in Band 8 are required to perform in at least two concerts per semester. Although the curriculum is designed for students with at least two years of playing experience, students without prior experience are welcome to participate. Instrument options include flute, oboe, clarinet/bass clarinet, alto/tenor/baritone saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion.

Varsity Choir 8

Course Numbers: 5020, 5021
Semesters: 2

This course is performance-based. Students will sing in two- or three-part harmony, with emphasis on their changing voices and on how to continue using them through and after the change. Music will vary in genre from popular to classical. Teamwork, cooperation, and building self-confidence through performance will be emphasized, along with individual and group vocal techniques. Students will be graded on cooperation, self-discipline, participation, and attendance. Participation in all performances is integral to the course and required. Performances include 2 Concerts over the course of the year. Varsity Choir is open to all grade 8 students; no audition is required.