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Six Units
Unit 1 · Weeks 1–6
Panels & Pages

Graphic novels as literature. Read, analyze, then create your own digital chapter using visual storytelling and dialogue.

NarrativeDescriptiveCreativeDigital Comics
View Unit 1
Unit 2 · Weeks 7–12
The Build Log

Engineering and making as writing. Document a LEGO or physical build from sketch to finished product — technical writing in action.

TechnicalExpositoryProcess Writing
View Unit 2
Unit 3 · Weeks 13–18
Debug & Deploy

Code, AI, and the future. Write documentation for a Scratch project, then write a persuasive essay arguing your position on AI.

TechnicalPersuasiveScratchClaude
View Unit 3
Unit 4 · Weeks 19–24
On the Record

Music as language. Write lyrics, liner notes, and music journalism. Connect piano and electronic production to creative and expository writing.

CreativeExpositoryLyric Writing
View Unit 4
Unit 5 · Weeks 25–30
Field Notes

Investigate, gather evidence, write. Choose a research question connected to your interests and produce a polished research paper.

ResearchExpositoryCitations
View Unit 5
Unit 6 · Weeks 31–36
Make Your Case

Argument, evidence, and presence. Build a full persuasive essay and deliver a TED-style talk on a topic you genuinely care about.

PersuasiveArgumentPresentation
View Unit 6
Writing Forms Coverage
Narrative
Unit 1 (graphic novel), Unit 4 (lyric story)
Descriptive
Unit 1 (visual description), Unit 4 (sound writing)
Technical
Unit 2 (build log), Unit 3 (code docs)
Expository
Unit 2 (engineering writing), Unit 5 (research)
Research
Unit 5 (full research paper)
Persuasive
Unit 3 (AI essay), Unit 6 (TED talk + essay)
Creative
Unit 1 (graphic novel), Unit 4 (lyrics + liner notes)
At a Glance
School Year
2026–2027
Grade
8th Grade
Units
6 units × 6 weeks
Showcases
6 — one per unit
Standards
Oregon ELA · CCSS Grade 8
Writing Tools
Google Docs, Canva, Scratch, Claude
Monthly Field Trips
Sep
Portland Art Museum — Graphic Novel & Sequential Art exhibit or comics collection
In-person · Portland
Oct
OMSI Engineering & Robotics galleries — kinesthetic maker exploration
In-person · Portland
Nov
Virtual: LEGO Foundation Design for Change webinar or Minecraft Education session
Virtual
Dec
Virtual: MIT Scratch team behind-the-scenes tour or Code.org Hour of Code live event
Virtual
Jan
Oregon Symphony family concert or local electronic music performance
In-person · Portland
Feb
Virtual: Interview a local engineer, musician, or developer (video call research)
Virtual · Research Unit
Mar
Oregon Historical Society or local library special collections — primary source research
In-person · Oregon
Apr
TED Talk screening + discussion — analyze argument and delivery techniques
Virtual / Home screening
May
Year-end showcase — family and guests attend all unit presentations
Home · Celebration