What is Happening in November for Eighth Grade?

8th Grade – November Curriculum Overview

November in Eighth Grade focuses on gratitude, heritage, and giving, while looking at how everything is connected— people, places, and the planet. We’ll explore ecosystems, chemistry, physics, and geometry while connecting science, math, and community life. Lessons are designed to be flexible, discussion-based, and grounded in real-world examples. Students will find their detailed assignments and materials in Google Classroom. Some basic printables may also be available here for free users.

Weekly Subjects

• Week 14 (Nov 3–6): Life on Earth – Ecosystems & Community
  • Language Arts:
    • Read a short article or passage about biodiversity or ecosystems.
    • Write a one-paragraph summary explaining why biodiversity matters.
    • Reading Log: Read daily and record title, author, minutes, and a short reflection in your digital reading log. Logs are submitted in Google Classroom at the end of the month.
  • Math (Data & Percentages): Collect simple data from a backyard, park, or neighborhood walk (plants, insects, animals). Create a table or bar graph and calculate basic percentages (e.g., “What percent of our observations were plants?”).
  • Science (Ecology): Introduce key terms such as biosphere, ecosystem, habitat, population, community, niche, and biodiversity. Map a local ecosystem and identify producers, consumers, and decomposers.
  • Social Studies/History: Discuss how local communities depend on healthy ecosystems (food, water, air, recreation).
  • Visual & Performing Arts: Create a labeled ecosystem diagram or poster showing different species and their roles.
  • PE: Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of movement most school days (walk, bike, sports, stretching, etc.). Record your activity and time in the PE log form linked in Google Classroom.
  • Spelling – Week 14 Words: biosphere, ecosystem, habitat, population, community, niche, biodiversity, succession, conservation
  • Spelling – Weekly Assignment (Mon–Thu):
    • Daily: Study flashcards or play learning games on StudyStacks.
    • Mon: Write a definition for this week's words.
    • Tue: Write one complete sentence for each word.
    • Wed: Copy each word in cursive and say it aloud.
    • Thu: Write a story OR complete your assigned online practice/quiz (StudyStack or the tool linked in Google Classroom).
• Week 15 (Nov 10–13): Chemistry & Change – Gratitude for Resources
  • Language Arts:
    • Read a short passage or watch a brief video about chemical reactions in everyday life (cooking, rusting, digestion).
    • Write a step-by-step explanation of one simple experiment or reaction.
    • Continue daily reading and update your reading log with minutes and reflections.
  • Math (Ratios & Proportions): Use recipe-style examples to talk about ratios in mixtures (e.g., “2 parts water to 1 part juice”). Create 2–3 ratio word problems based on household scenarios.
  • Science (Chemistry): Introduce or review chemistry, element, compound, molecule, isotope, solution, solvent, reaction, catalyst, equilibrium,            using simple, safe demonstrations (dissolving salt, baking soda + vinegar, etc.).
  • Social Studies/History: Discuss how access to clean water, medicine, and other resources is connected to chemistry and public health.
  • Visual & Performing Arts: Create an illustrated “chemical reaction” comic strip or diagram showing before/after states.
  • PE: 20–30 minutes of movement most school days + record in PE log (Google Classroom).
  • Spelling – Week 15 Words: chemistry, element, compound, molecule, isotope, solution, solvent, reaction, catalyst, equilibrium
  • Spelling – Weekly Assignment (Mon–Thu):
    • Daily: Study flashcards or play learning games on StudyStacks.
    • Mon: Write a definition for this week's words.
    • Tue: Write one complete sentence for each word.
    • Wed: Copy each word in cursive and say it aloud.
    • Thu: Write a story OR complete your assigned online practice/quiz (StudyStack or the tool linked in Google Classroom).
• Week 16 (Nov 17–20): Physics in Motion – Forces & Safety
  • Language Arts:
    • Read a short article or watch a video about forces and motion (sports, car safety, roller coasters, etc.).
    • Write a short reflection: “How does understanding physics help keep people safe?”
    • Continue daily reading and update your reading log. Make sure your log is on track for the monthly target.
  • Math (Speed, Distance, Time): Practice simple problems using speed = distance ÷ time with realistic numbers (walking, biking, driving distances).
  • Science (Physics): Study physics, velocity, acceleration, momentum, inertia, friction, gravity, energy, wavelength, frequency. Use real-life examples (sports, biking, playground equipment, car rides) to illustrate each concept.
  • Social Studies/History: Discuss how physics and engineering contribute to safer buildings, vehicles, and communities.
  • Visual & Performing Arts: Create a poster or infographic that illustrates one physics concept (e.g., inertia or momentum) in action.
  • PE: 20–30 minutes of movement most school days + record in PE log (Google Classroom).
  • Spelling – Week 16 Words: physics, velocity, acceleration, momentum, inertia, friction, gravity, energy, wavelength, frequency
  • Spelling – Weekly Assignment (Mon–Thu):
    • Daily: Study flashcards or play learning games on StudyStacks.
    • Mon: Write a definition for this week's words.
    • Tue: Write one complete sentence for each word.
    • Wed: Copy each word in cursive and say it aloud.
    • Thu: Write a story OR complete your assigned online practice/quiz (StudyStack or the tool linked in Google Classroom).
• Week 17 (Nov 24–27): Fall Break / Family Time (Core Subjects Off, Spelling On)
  • Core Subjects: No new Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts, or PE assignments this week.
  • Spelling – Week 17 Words: theorem, postulate, axiom, proof, geometry, polygon, isosceles, equilateral, perpendicular, parallel, algebra
  • Spelling – Weekly Assignment (Mon–Thu):
    • Daily: Study flashcards or play learning games on StudyStacks.
    • Mon: Write a definition for this week's words.
    • Tue: Write one complete sentence for each word.
    • Wed: Copy each word in cursive and say it aloud.
    • Thu: Complete November's Spelling Test on StudyStacks. Submit a screenshot to the Google Classroom assignment.
  • Optional Ideas (Not graded):
    • Read for fun and keep adding to your reading log if you’d like extra minutes.
    • Help with cooking, baking, or holiday prep and talk about the science and math involved.
    • Spend time outside noticing patterns in nature (shapes, motion, light, and shadow).

Fun Fridays

• Nature walk or backyard observation focused on signs of life and change.
• Simple at-home science experiments using safe household materials.
• Visit (in-person or virtual) a science museum, nature center, or local historical site.
• During break week: family game night, science documentaries, or stargazing together.

Recommended Free Resources

• Khan Academy – Ecology & Ecosystems
• Khan Academy – Intro Chemistry
• Khan Academy – Intro Physics
• Khan Academy – Geometry
• Exploratorium Science Snacks – Hands-On Activities
• ReadWorks – Reading Comprehension
• CommonLit – Free Reading Passages

November in 8th grade is about seeing the bigger picture—how science, math, history, and community all connect. Use what works for your family, adapt what you need, and let this month support both learning and reflection. Students should always check Google Classroom for their official assignments, reading log forms, PE logs, and any printables.