8th Grade – October Curriculum Overview
October’s theme is Transformation. In 8th grade, we’re exploring how change shapes nature, society, and ourselves. This month, students will dive into myths and legends, examine revolutions in history and science, and reflect on cycles of life through hands-on projects and creative expression. Activities are designed for critical thinking, collaboration, and connecting learning to the world around us as we prepare for Samhain and the heart of autumn.
Weekly Subjects
- Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
- Week 9: Write a myth or legend about transformation. Analyze how change is portrayed in literature.
- Week 10: Explore satire and parody; write a short story or skit with a twist ending.
- Week 11: Research and present a real-world example of transformation (personal, historical, or natural).
- Week 12: Reflect on cycles—how do stories, seasons, and societies change and renew?
- Spelling:
- Week 9: anomaly, extrapolate, exposition, fallacy, proposition, structuralism, didactic, third-person, recognition, farce
- Week 10: phenomenon, interpolate, narrative, paradox, assertion, postmodernism, allegorical, limited, reversal, slapstick
- Week 11: comprehensibility, agreement, optimization, contradiction, classify, exchange, poetics, gloss, clarify, approve
- Week 12: readability, alignment, refinement, paradox, categorize, negotiation, narratology, lexicon, expound, sanction
- Reflection Prompt: Where do you see transformation in your own life or in the world around you this month?
- Math (Mon & Wed)
- Week 9: Explore geometric transformations (rotation, reflection, translation).
- Week 10: Analyze patterns and symmetry in nature and architecture.
- Week 11: Study statistics and probability using real-world data.
- Week 12: Create and interpret graphs to show cycles or changes over time.
- Science (Mon & Wed)
- Week 9: Investigate transformation in ecosystems—decomposition, metamorphosis, and cycles.
- Week 10: Study the science of autumn: why leaves change color, animal adaptations, and seasonal cycles.
- Week 11: Explore scientific revolutions and paradigm shifts.
- Week 12: Conduct a simple experiment showing physical or chemical change.
- History & Social Studies (Tue & Thu)
- Week 9: Investigate historical revolutions and major societal transformations.
- Week 10: Compare ancient and modern celebrations of transformation (Samhain, harvest festivals).
- Week 11: Research how cultures honor ancestors and cycles of renewal.
- Week 12: Present a project on social or scientific change in your community or the world.
- Art & Music (Thu)
- Week 9: Create transformation-inspired art (masks, metamorphosis drawings, or ancestor portraits).
- Week 10: Compose or perform music that represents change or cycles.
- Week 11: Build a model of an ancient structure or monument.
- Week 12: Design and decorate a Samhain altar or seasonal centerpiece.
- Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
- Each Week: Daily movement—nature walks, stretching, outdoor games, or scavenger hunts.
- Reading (Mon–Thu)
- Each Week: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Add to your reading log and reflect on stories of transformation or change.
Fun Fridays
- October 3: Pumpkin patch visit and story time.
- October 10: Leaf rubbings and fall crafts.
- October 17: Nature center visit and outdoor exploration.
- October 24: Samhain prep—make lanterns or ancestor altars.
- October 31: Samhain celebration with stories, crafts, and seasonal treats.
Recommended Free Resources
- Mythology & History:
- Science & Nature:
- Math:
- Reading & Literacy:
- Classroom:
October in 8th grade is about transformation—of nature, knowledge, and ourselves. Embrace change, honor the past, and let your creativity shine this season!