Helpful Information and Links

• Amplify | Google Classroom | AERIES | Pear Assessment 

• JOIN: Science 7th Grade Google Classroom, Quizlet, Class Companion

• Introduction to Amplify Science (3:11) | How to Navigate Amplify Science (15:39) | Introduction to Amplify Science @Home Videos (1:08) | How to use Aeries (slideshow)

• BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT (10:11) 

• Bathroom Sign-Out and Sign-In Form | Diamondback Daily Dispatch | Bell Schedule / Campus Map

• Know and Enforce Your Education Rights | Anonymous Notice to Mr. Ruiz 

• Practice the 8th Grade California Science Test

• Help keep your local river clean by volunteering: Operation 9-2-99

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FIRST QUARTER (12 AUG 2026 - 09 OCT 2026)

>>>  Plate Motion Unit Review | SIM | Sentence Starters | Dictionary <<< 

06 OCT 2025 - Tuesday

• If you have the accommodation and would prefer to test in a separate setting, please let me know. 

• (31) PM 4.4 TEST (Use my website like your book. It's an open-book test.) There are 18 questions worth a total of 19 points. 

• Retakes will be on Friday, the last day of the quarter.

• If you finish early,  write the (#30) PM 3.4.4 Essay before any free time activities.

05 OCT 2026 - Monday - The end-of-unit test is tomorrow. Retakes will be on Friday. 

• Amplify Assignments PM 3.4 | Indian Plate Motion Video | (#29) PM 3.4.3-5  (#30) PM 3.4.4 Essay

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 3.4

• (Optional Extras) Convection Currents Demonstration | Convection Currents Move the Mantle Material | Explore this plate simulator

• How to Screenshot | How to upload:  (add file, upload, browse, downloads, screenshot)

02 OCT 2026 - Friday

• Amplify Assignments PM 3.3 | PM 3.3.3 Reconstructing Gondawanaland | PM 3.3.3 Video Directions | (#28) PM 3.3.1-2

• Article: A Continental Puzzle | Pear Assessment | Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. 

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 3.3 

01 OCT 2026 - Thursday

• Amplify Assignments PM 3.2 | (#27) PM 3.2.1-3 

• Article: A Continental Puzzle | Pear Assessment | Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. 

• Explore this plate simulator

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 3.2

30 SEP 2026 - Wednesday - WIN

• (#24) PM 2.6 TEST If you have the accommodation and would prefer to test in a separate setting, please let me know. 

• (#25) PM 2.7.1-2

• (#26) PM 3.1.3-4

• https://play.blooket.com/play

29 SEP 2026  -  Tuesday

• Check your answers to yesterday's review assignments | Video about Iceland (2:21) | Video about Iceland (40:39)

• Amplify Assignments PM 3.1 |  PM 3.1.3 Word Relationships | (#26) PM 3.1.3-4

• Plate Motion Simulation | Plate Motion Data Tool activity: Plate Distance vs. Time | Calculator

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 3.1 

28 SEP 2026 - Monday

•  Everyone: Exploring Iceland's Plate Boundary [ Video 7:00 Activity 1 | Activity 1 Warm-Up  (See what color group you're in?) ]

• Green Group: [ Video 5:52 Activity 2: Parts 1 and 2, Video 6:37 Parts 3, 4, and 5 | Activity 2 read and annotate then work on the PM 2.7 Modeling Tool | Video 2:25 Activity 3 | Activity 3 Critiquing Models | (#25) PM 2.7.1-2 ]

• Blue Group: [ Video 6:34 Activity 2: Parts 1 and 2, Video 5:23 Parts 3 and 4 | Activity 2 read and annotate, then work on the PM 2.7 Modeling Tool | Video  3:00 Activity 3 | Activity 3 Critiquing Models | (#25) PM 2.7.1-2 ]

• Purple Group: [ Video 8:25  Activity 2: Parts 1 and 2 | Activity 2 read and annotate, then work on the PM 2.7 Modeling Tool | Video 3:10 Activity 3 | Activity 3 Critiquing Models | (#25) PM 2.7.1-2 ]

• Everyone: Teacher Slides 2.7 

• The assessment retake will be Wednesday, September 30th, after the reteach lessons.

25 SEP 2026 - Friday -

• If you have the accommodation and would prefer to test in a separate setting, please let me know. 

• Plate Motion 2.6 - Critical Juncture Assessment - (#24) PM 2.6 TEST (Use my website like your book. It's an open-book test.)

• If you finish early, work on your poster (#22 Plate Boundary Model), or this (PM 2.5.4).

• The assessment retake will be on Wednesday, September 30th, after the reteach lessons.

24 SEP 2026 - Thursday - WIN

There is a test on Friday, Friday, Friday: Read the Plate Motion Unit Review

• (#22) Plate Boundary Model | Supplies available: paper, colored pencils, crayons, rulers, scissors

• Include the following items (worth 5 points total):

• (1) Title: Plate Boundaries

• (2) Subtitles: Divergent, Convergent

• (3) Model: Draw and color each type of plate boundary.

• (4) Label: plate 1, plate 2, trench, ridge or mid-ocean ridge, mantle, the direction of plate movement

• (5) Description:  Write a brief description of the plate and mantle interactions at each boundary.  (Identify where the plate becomes the mantle and the mantle becomes the plate.)

• Use the following resources for help: Listening to Earth | PM 2.3.2: Boundary Characteristics Chart

• BE CREATIVE: Feel free to research other plate boundary pictures on the Internet and example posters.

• Suppose you do not have access to physical supplies or need to modify this assignment; create a digital poster and share it with Mr. Ruiz at eruiz@turlock.k12.ca.us. In that case, you can copy and paste digital images into your digital poster if needed. If you copy and paste pictures from the internet, cite your image sources (include the hyperlink).

• Have FUN! I plan on posting these all over the classroom walls and on my website. :-)

23 SEP 2026 - Wednesday

• Amplify Assignments PM 2.5 |  PM 2.5.3 Modeling Tool | (#23) PM 2.5.3-5

• Reminders: PM 2.3.2 Notes | PM 2.4.3 Notes 

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 2.5

22 SEP 2026 - Tuesday

• (#22) Plate Boundary Model | Supplies available: paper, colored pencils, crayons, rulers, scissors

• Include the following items (worth 5 points total):

• (1) Title: Plate Boundaries

• (2) Subtitles: Divergent, Convergent

• (3) Model: Draw and color each type of plate boundary.

• (4) Label: plate 1, plate 2, trench, ridge or mid-ocean ridge, mantle, the direction of plate movement

• (5) Description:  Write a brief description of the plate and mantle interactions at each boundary.

• Use the following resources for help: Listening to Earth | PM 2.3.2: Boundary Characteristics Chart

• BE CREATIVE: Feel free to research other plate boundary pictures on the Internet and example posters.

• Suppose you do not have access to physical supplies or need to modify this assignment; create a digital poster and share it with Mr. Ruiz at eruiz@turlock.k12.ca.us. In that case, you can copy and paste digital images into your digital poster if needed. If you copy and paste pictures from the internet, cite your image sources (include the hyperlink).

• Have FUN! I plan on posting these all over the classroom walls and on my website. :-)

21 SEP 2026 - Monday

• Amplify Assignments PM 2.4 | PM 2.3: Boundary Characteristics Chart | PM 2.4.2 Modeling Tool | (#21) PM 2.4.3-4

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 2.4

18 SEP 2026 - Friday

• Amplify Assignments PM 2.3 | PD: Boundary Characteristics Chart  | (#20) PM 2.3.1-2 

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 2.3

• Complete your scientific argument (#12) GM 3.4 Essay. Make sure you turned it in on Class Companion. Then, you may mark it as complete in Google Classroom.

17 SEP 2026 - Thursday

• Amplify Assignments PM 2.2 | (#19) PM 2.2.1-2

• (Example of Sound from a Hydrophone) | Tsunami (2) | Understanding the Richter Scale (5:56)

• Teacher Slides PM 2.2 | Instructional Videos 

• Complete your scientific argument (#12) GM 3.4 Essay. Make sure you turned it in on Class Companion. Then, you may mark it as complete in Google Classroom.

16 SEP 2026 - Wednesday - WIN

• Check AERIES and Make-up work (missing assignments, low scores, or both). The student password reset is now working too.

• https://play.blooket.com/play

15 SEP 2026 - Tuesday - LAB

• Amplify Assignments PM 2.1 | (#18) PM 2.1.3-5

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 2.1

14 SEP 2026 - Monday

• Amplify Assignments PM 1.4 | Pear Deck PM 1.4.3 Modeling Tool | (#17) PM 1.4.3-6

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 1.4

11 SEP 2026 - Friday

• Amplify Assignments PM 1.3 | (#16) PM 1.3.1-2 | PM 1.3 Activity 3 Maps & Projections | (Optional) PM 1.3.3-4

• Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PM 1.3

10 SEP 2026 - Thursday - (Substitute: Mr. Gonzalez)

• Amplify Assignments PM 1.2 | Pear Deck PM 1.2.4 Map | (#15) PM 1.2.1-2

• Teacher Slides PM 1.2 | Instructional Videos 

• (#14) GM 3.5 Test- Make-ups and retakes. Tests are "open-book," meaning you can use any links from my website. Retakes are mandatory if you scored 11 or less. Retakes are optional if you scored 12 or higher. 

>>>  Geology on Mars Unit Review | Channel on Mars  | Sentence Starters | Dictionary <<<

09 SEP 2026 - Wednesday - WIN

• If you have a separate setting accommodation and you want to test in a separate setting, let me know.

• (#14) GM 3.5 Test- Make-ups and retakes. Tests are "open-book," meaning you can use any links from my website. Retakes are mandatory if you scored 11 or less. Retakes are optional if you scored 12 or higher. 

• Due today: Plate Motion Pre-Unit Assessment. This is mandatory. However, it does not affect your grade.

• Complete your scientific argument (#12) GM 3.4 Essay. Make sure you turned it in on Class Companion. Then, you may mark it as complete in Google Classroom.

• If you finish early, try: iReady | Dynamic Systems (Engineering Practice) | Dynamic Systems 2 | Explore Mars: A Mars Rover Game 

08 SEP 2026 - Tuesday

• If you have a separate setting accommodation and you want to test in a separate setting, let me know.

• (#14) GM 3.5 Test. Mr. Ruiz will unlock the test after giving directions. Tests are "open-book," meaning you can use any links from my website. 

• If incomplete, work on your scientific argument (#12) GM 3.4 Essay and (#13) GM 3.4.1-4 

04 SEP 2026 - Friday - FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIPS DUE TODAY!

• Amplify Assignments GM 3.4 | Reasoning Tool | Join Class Companion | SENTENCE STARTERS 

•  (#12) GM 3.4 Essay |  (#13) GM 3.4.1-4 

• (Optional Video 14:30) Mars Facts and History

• Teacher Slides GM 3.4 | Instructional Videos

03 SEP 2026 - Thursday

• Amplify Assignments GM 3.3 | (Review) GM 3.2.3 Evidence Gradient  | (#11) GM 3.3.1-2

• Teacher Slides GM 3.3 | Instructional Videos

02 SEP 2026 - Wednesday - WIN

• https://play.blooket.com/play 

• WIN: Watch this VIDEO starting at about the 4:00 minute mark

• Plate Motion Pre-Unit Assessment: This is mandatory. Do it for homework if you run out of time. This test does not affect your grade.

• Explore Mars: A Mars Rover Game | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids 

01 SEP 2026 - Tuesday - LAB

• Amplify Assignments GM 3.2 | GM 3.2.2 More New Information | GM 3.2.3 Evidence Gradient | (#10) GM 3.2.1-5

• Picture of Channel on Mars

• Teacher Slides GM 3.2 | Instructional Videos 

31 AUG 2026 - Monday

• Amplify Assignments GM 3.1 | GM 3.1.2-3 Evidence Gradient | GM 3.1.3 New NASA Information | (#9) GM 3.1.1-3 

• Extra information if you were absent today (old video, but still relevant)

• Picture of Channel on Mars

• Teacher Slides GM 3.1  | Instructional Videos

• If you finish early, explore this just for fun!

28 AUG 2026 - Friday

• Amplify Assignments GM 2.3 | Testing an Idea Student Sheets | Stream 1 (low slope) | Stream 2 (high slope) |  Video of both slopes (0:27)

• Flowing Lava Model (5:14) | Real Lava Flowing (4:10)

•  (#8) GM 2.3.1-4 

• Picture of Channel on Mars

• Teacher Slides GM 2.3  | Instructional Videos

27 AUG 2025 - Thursday - WIN - (19 minute periods)

• Amplify Assignments GM 2.2.2  (Reread and Answer Questions)| Observation Sheets | Flowing Water Model (4:30) | Science Lab Tips 

•  (#7) GM 2.2.1-4 (Continued From Yesterday)

• Teacher Slides GM 2.2 | Instructional Videos

26 AUG 2025 - Wednesday - LAB

• Amplify Assignments GM 2.2 | Observation Sheets | Flowing Water Model (4:30) | Science Lab Tips 

•  (#7) GM 2.2.1-4

• Teacher Slides GM 2.2 | Instructional Videos 

25 AUG 2026 - Tuesday

• Amplify Assignments GM 2.1 |  Amplify GM 2.2.4 

• (#5) GM 2.1.1-5 | (#6) GM 2.1.4 Screenshot Annotation | How to Screenshot | How to upload: (add file, upload, browse, downloads, screenshot)

• Teacher Slides GM 2.1 | Instructional Videos 

• Optional: https://orb.farm/ | Venus Death of a Planet 4k

24 AUG 2026 - Monday 

• Amplify Assignments GM 1.3 | GM 1.3.3 Set 1 | GM 1.3.3 Set 2 |  Channel on Mars 

• (#4) GM 1.3.1-4 

• Teacher Slides GM 1.3 | Instructional Videos 

21 AUG 2026 - Friday - WIN

• First Period ONLY: PBIS Classroom Expectations - Slides 27-31. Also, on the lined paper from Monday, write at least three sentences about you. What would you like me to know about you?

• https://play.blooket.com/play

• Check your grade in AERIES. If you are unable to log in, please ask Mr. Ruiz for assistance.

• If you are missing an assignment in AERIES, use this class time to make up the work.

• If you are done with your assignments, put away your computer and begin a Science Cube.

20 AUG 2026 - Thursday

• Amplify Assignments GM 1.2 | Geologic Processes (water and lava flow pictures) | Mar's Trek  | Google Maps | Channel on Mar

• (#3) GM 1.2.1-5

• Introduction to Amplify Science @Home Videos (1:08)

• Teacher Slides GM 1.2 | Instructional Videos

19 AUG  2026 - Wednesday (Day 2 of 2)

• Amplify Assignments GM 1.1 |  The Night Sky | Our Solar System | The Four Rocky Planets | The Earth System | Spheres | Meet a Planetary Geologist (2:56) 

•  (#2) GM 1.1.1-5

• Teacher Slides GM 1.1 | Instructional Video

18 AUG 2026 - Tuesday (Day 1 of 2)

• Amplify Assignments GM 1.1 |  The Night Sky | Our Solar System | The Four Rocky Planets | The Earth System | Spheres | Meet a Planetary Geologist (2:56) 

•  (#2) GM 1.1.1-5

• Teacher Slides GM 1.1 | Instructional Video

17 AUG 2026 - Monday

• PBIS Classroom Expectations - Slides 7-10

• Join our Google Class: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODcyMjcyMzA1NjE1?cjc=yl4w32or

• Introduction to Amplify Science (3:11) | Navigating Amplify Science (15:39) | 27 Insanely Cool Experiments (13:44). Students can watch these while I help them log in. 

• (#1) First Day Form 

14 AUG 2026 - Friday - LAB

• Paper Chain STEM Challenge

• Join our Google Class: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODcyMjcyMzA1NjE1?cjc=yl4w32or

• Bookmark: https://sites.google.com/turlockusd.org/ruizspieces/

13 AUG 2026 - Thursday

• Complete the missing face of the cube: Virtual Cube | Printable Paper Cube

• Students will be asked to look for patterns of information. Using the information found on the virtual cube, students will need to interpret patterns and use the evidence provided to defend their ideas about completing the missing face of the cube.

12 AUG 2026 - Wednesday

• Welcome back to school!

• Review the Syllabus