>>> Phase Change Unit Review | Sentence Starters | Dictionary | Chat <<<
19 DEC 2025 - Friday - WIN
Chemical Reactions: Pre-Unit Assessment (Optional and not for a grade)
Retakes are open from 8:00 AM today until 3:00 PM on Friday, December 19th: (#63) PC 4.5 Test (End-of-Unit)
18 DEC 2026 - Thursday
Without Permission Presentations (Got to class first for attendance, then report to the Cafeteria.)
Retakes are open from 8:00 AM today until 3:00 PM on Friday, December 19th: (#63) PC 4.5 Test (End-of-Unit)
17 DEC 2025 - Wednesday
Amplify Assignments PC 4.2 | PC 4.2.2 Visual Claims | PC 4.2.1-3 Pear Deck | PC 4.2.1.4 Evidence Card Sort | PC 4.2.1.-3 | (#65) PC 4.2.3-5
Retakes are open from 8:00 AM today until 3:00 PM on Friday, December 19th: (#63) PC 4.5 Test (End-of-Unit)
16 DEC 2025 - Tuesday
15 DEC 2025 - Monday (Substitute: Hika)
(#63) PC 4.5 Test (End-of-Unit)
If you finish early, do a quiet activity.
12 DEC 2025 - Friday - WIN
The End-of-Unit test will be on Monday. Phase Change Unit Review
Check AERIES and address missing or low-scoring assignments. The end of the quarter is one week from now.
(#61) PC 3.4 Quiz: Retakes
11 DEC 2025 - Thursday
If you have not yet done so, complete this test: (#61) PC 3.4 Quiz
10 DEC 2025 - Wednesday
(#61) PC 3.4 Quiz: Work on this at school, at home, or both. There are 12 questions. Retakes are on Friday.
09 DEC 2025 - Tuesday
08 DEC 2025- Monday
05 DEC 2025 - Friday - WIN DAY (last 15 minutes)
Amplify Assignments PC 3.1 | PC 3.1 Simulator Questions | Tug-of-War | (#58) PC 3.1.1-2
WIN Day: Blooket Phase Change Key Terms
04 DEC 2025 - Thursday
Amplify Assignments PC 2.3 | Review what you have learned to help you on the warm-up | PC 2.3.2 Titan Evidence Card Sort | (#57) PC 2.3.1-2
03 DEC 2025 - Wednesday - LAB
Claim 1: Transferring energy into or out of a substance changes its temperature, which changes the molecules’ freedom of movement.
Claim 2: Transferring energy into or out of a substance changes the molecules’ kinetic energy, which changes their freedom of movement.
Claim 3: Transferring energy into or out of a substance changes the molecules’ speed, which changes their freedom of movement.
02 DEC 2025 - Tuesday
01 DEC 2025 - Monday
PC Poster - Example Posters
(1.) Title: PHASE CHANGE
(2.) Draw a model of the molecules, with kinetic energy/motion lines. [ ) , ) ) , or ) ) ) ]
(3.) Label the transformation processes: melting, vaporizing, condensing, freezing.
(4.) Label the phases: solid, liquid, gas
(5.) Write the explanations of why phase changes happen.
(6.) Include the KEY: " ) " = kinetic energy/motion
(7.) (Optional) Use some color in your poster.
21 NOV 2025 - Friday
20 NOV 2025 - Thursday
How to Screenshot | How to upload: (add file, upload, browse, downloads, screenshot)
Instructional Videos | Teacher Slides PC 1.4 Don't click here
19 NOV 2025 - Wednesday - WIN
START HERE >>> Model a solid, liquid, and gas: PC 1.3.2.2 Modeling Tool - Pear Deck
Blooket Phase Change Key Terms
If needed, test make-ups: (#48) RT 4.4 TEST
Low scores, missing assignments, iReady MyPath Math.
18 NOV 2025 - Tuesday - LAB
17 NOV 2025 - Monday
>>> Rock Transformations Unit Review <<<
14 NOV 2024 - Friday - WIN
Retakes: (#48) RT 4.4 TEST (If you can test in a separate setting, go to room 3 now.)
Any academic work from this class or other classes.
Phase Change Pre-Test (Not graded in Aeries.)
If you finish early, work on the poster from November 5th below.
13 NOV 2025 - Thursday | Continued from yesterday
If you were absent on Monday, make up your test by Friday. (#48) RT 4.4 TEST
Students consider whether rock transformations on Venus are producing mostly sedimentary rocks or mostly igneous rocks. They evaluate and analyze photographic and descriptive evidence, and also analyze evidence about energy sources on the planet.
[FIRST - warm-up only] Amplify Assignments RT 4.1
Eliminate the weakest cards and annotate the four remaining Set-1: [SECOND] Pear Deck RT 4.1.3-4 | All of the Cards - Set 1
Extra Important Evidence: [THIRD] Pear Deck RT 4.2.2-3 | All of the Cards - Set 2 | (#50) RT 4.2-1-3
[FOURTH - argument only] Write a scientific argument that addresses the question: What rock transformation processes are happening on Venus?
12 NOV 2025 - Wednesday | You may also work on these assignments tomorrow.
If you were absent on Monday, make up your test by Friday. (#48) RT 4.4 TEST
Students consider whether rock transformations on Venus are producing mostly sedimentary rocks or mostly igneous rocks. They evaluate and analyze photographic and descriptive evidence, and also analyze evidence about energy sources on the planet.
[FIRST - warm-up only] Amplify Assignments RT 4.1 | (#49) RT 4.1.1-4
Eliminate the weakest cards and annotate the four remaining Set-1: [SECOND] Pear Deck RT 4.1.3-4 | All of the Cards - Set 1
Extra Important Evidence: [THIRD] Pear Deck RT 4.2.2-3 | All of the Cards - Set 2
[FOURTH - argument only] Write a scientific argument that addresses the question: What rock transformation processes are happening on Venus?
11 NOV 2025 - NO SCHOOL
Veterans Day
10 NOV 2025 - Monday
(#48) RT 4.4 TEST - If you need headphones, they are in the back of the room.
This is an open-book test. Retakes will be on Friday, November 14th.
I will send home a missing assignment and grade reports at the end of the day.
You must complete your Rock Cycle Poster (go back to 05 NOV 2025's assignment description)
iReady: Math My Path | Solo Blooket
Academic work from other classes.
07 NOV 2025 - Friday
Amplify Assignments RT 3.4 | RT 3.4.2 Pear Deck (Write and Share) | RT 3.4.3 Pear Deck (Modeling Tool) | (#47) RT 3.4.3-4
Place your PM 3.4.4 written response here (Class Companion).
YOUR END OF UNIT ASSESSMENT WILL BE ON Monday, November 10th, 2025 (Review Video 1, Review Video 2)
06 NOV 2025 - Thursday
Amplify Assignments RT 3.3 | If you are here today: Game and Dice | (#46) RT 3.3.3-4
If you were absent: RT 3.3.2 Google Doc (Chart) and RT 3.3.3 Pear Deck (Map). If you are confused, copy the teacher's example.
YOUR END OF UNIT ASSESSMENT WILL BE ON Monday, November 10th, 2025 (Review Video 1, Review Video 2)
05 NOV 2025 - Wednesday - WIN
Rock Transformation Poster - Example Posters - With Explanations (A, B, C) - Self Help
(1.) Title: The Rock Cycle
(2.) Draw your poster
(3.) Color your poster
(4.) Label the transformation processes: weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, subduction, heat and pressure, melting, uplift, and cooling.
(5.) Label the materials: igneous rock, sediment, sedimentary rock, metamorphic rock, and magma.
No, Earth is not flat: Live 4K video of Earth and space: 24/7 Livestream of Earth by Sen’s 4K video cameras on the ISS | The Axis of Rotation
04 NOV 2025 - Tuesday
03 NOV 2025 - Monday
The Oldest Rocks on Earth (10:02)
The formation of the Moon (1:50)
UP2D8
30 OCT 2025 - Friday - WIN
Rock Transformations 2.5 - Critical Juncture Assessment - Retakes (#43) RT 2.5 Test
It's an "open-book" test; this website is your "book".
If you finish early, work on missing assignments or those with low scores.
Rock Transformations - Solo Blooket.
29 OCT 2025 - Thursday
Rock Transformations 2.6: Investigating Hawaiian Rocks [ What color group are you in? Click to find out! ]
Purple Group: Reading “Rocks on the Hawaiian Islands”
[ Video 5:10 Activity 1 | Activity 1 Warm-Up | Video 2:52 Activity 2.1 | Activity 2 Sim and Parts 1, 2 | Video 2:58 Activity 2.2 | Video 4:17 Activity 2T ]
Green Group: Reading “Hawaiian Volcanoes and Beaches”
[ Video 4:33 Activity 1 | Activity 1 Warm-Up | Video 1:43 Activity 2.1 | Activity 2 Sim and Parts 1, 2 | Video 3:23 Activity 2.2 | Video 4:17 Activity 2T ]
Blue Group: Reading “Hawaiian Volcanoes and Beaches”
[ Video 5:19 Activity 1 | Activity 1 Warm-Up | Video 2:43 Activity 2.1 | Activity 2 Sim and Parts 1, 2, 3 | Video 4:09 Activity 2.2-3 | Video 4:17 Activity 2T ]
Assignment/s summary for all groups: RT 2.6.1, RT 2.6.2, (#44) RT 2.6.1-2
28 OCT 2025 - Wednesday - WIN
Work on incomplete assignments, redo assignments with low scores, or both.
iReady my PATH MATH
If you have extra time and are behaving: Solo Blooket Link | https://play.blooket.com/play
27 OCT 2025 - Tuesday
(#43) RT 2.5 Test | It's an "open-book" test; this website is your "book".
Retakes are on Friday, after the differentiated reteach lesson.
If you finish early, work on missing assignments or those with low scores. Register for rewards day.
Rock Transformations - Solo Blooket
What is the square root of 4489? By the way, a score of 9 or higher is passing on the test.
26 OCT 2026 - Monday
There is a mid-unit test tomorrow. Read this to refresh your memory: Rock Transformations Unit Review
Amplify Assignments RT 2.4 | RT 2.4.2 Write and Share | RT 1.5.2 Modeling Rock Formation | (#42) RT 2.4.1-2
23 OCT 2026 - Friday - LAB
22 OCT 2026 - Thursday - (Substitute)
Amplify Assignments RT 2.2 | Devil's Tower Google Earth | (#40) RT 2.2.1-2
(If you are curious) More about the Core | Cretaceous North American Seaway
21 OCT 2026 - Wednesday - (Substitute)
Video: (17:26) Continental Drift The Full Story. Pay close attention and take notes if you want. No Chromebooks until the video is over.
After the video, choose one of the two following assignments to complete:
Complete the Multiple-Choice questions (#39) PM 3.5 MC; or,
Writen Response: (#39) PM 3.5 WR >>> SENTENCE STARTERS <<<
20 OCT 2026 - Tuesday - (Substitute)
Amplify Assignments RT 2.1 | (#38) RT 2.1.1-2
(If you are curious) How deep have we drilled into the earth?
19 OCT 2026 - Monday - WIN
NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day
16 OCT 2026 - Friday
15 OCT 2026 - Thursday - LAB
Amplify Assignments RT 1.4 (Activity 1 and 2 only) | (Useful Videos - Video A 4:19 - Video B 2:45 - Video C 1:11 ) | (#36) RT 1.4.1-2
Instructional Videos (Activity 1 and 2 only) | Teacher Slides RT 1.4
14 OCT 2026 - Wednesday
Amplify Assignments RT 1.3 | (#35) RT 1.3.1-2 | (OPTIONAL) RT 1.3.3-4
13 OCT 2026 - Tuesday - LAB
Amplify Assignments RT 1.2 | Pear Deck RT 1.2.3 Rock Samples | Padlet | (#34) RT 1.2.3
____________________________________________________
FIRST QUARTER (12 AUG 2025 - 10 OCT 2025)
>>> Plate Motion Unit Review | Sentence Starters | Dictionary <<<
END OF QUARTER ONE
09 OCT 2026- Friday - WIN - (Substitute: Caldwell)
Retakes: (#31) PM 4.4 TEST
Check AERIES and complete any missing work or redo low-scoring work.
Most Incomplete Assignments: (#30) PM 3.4.4 Essay and (#22) Plate Boundary Model ("your poster", see 22 SEP 2026 for directions)
If you finish early, Rock Transformations Key Terms on Blooket
08 OCT 2024 - Thursday - (Substitute: Caldwell)
This is your last chance to practice what you have learned about plate motion or learn what you missed.
Amplify Assignments PM 4.3 | Pear Deck PM 4.1.3.1 Evidence Cards A-E | Reasoning Tool | (#33) PM 4.3.4 Written Argument
07 OCT 2026 - Wednesday - MR. Ruiz was called to replace a sick teacher up at the sixth-grade camp.
Amplify Assignments PM 4.1 | Pear Deck PM 4.1.3.1 Evidence Cards A-E | PM 4.1.4 Sorting Evidence | (#32) PM 4.1.1-3.1
06 OCT 2026 - 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
(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
01 OCT 2026 - Thursday
Amplify Assignments PM 3.2 | (#27) PM 3.2.1-3
Article: A Continental Puzzle | Pear Assessment | Explore this plate simulator
30 SEP 2026 - Wednesday - WIN
(#24) PM 2.6 TEST
(#25) PM 2.7.1-2
(#26) PM 3.1.3-4
Plate Motion Simulation | Plate Motion Data Tool activity: Plate Distance vs. Time | Calculator
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
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 -
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.
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
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
18 SEP 2026 - Friday
Amplify Assignments PM 2.3 | PD: Boundary Characteristics Chart | (#20) PM 2.3.1-2
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)
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.
15 SEP 2026 - Tuesday - LAB
14 SEP 2026 - Monday
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
>>> Plate Motion Unit Review | Sentence Starters | Dictionary <<<
10 SEP 2026 - Thursday
Amplify Assignments PM 1.2 | Pear Deck PM 1.2.4 Map | (#15) PM 1.2.1-2
(#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 <<<
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 - FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIPS DUE TODAY!
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
Amplify Assignments GM 3.4 | Join Class Companion | SENTENCE STARTERS | (#12) GM 3.4 Essay | (#13) GM 3.4.1-4
(Optional Video 14:30) Mars Facts and History
03 SEP 2026 - Thursday
02 SEP 2026 - Wednesday - WIN
Plate Motion Pre-Unit Assessment: This is mandatory. However, it 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
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)
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)
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)
26 AUG 2025 - Wednesday - LAB
25 AUG 2026 - Tuesday
Amplify Assignments GM 2.1 | Observation Sheets | 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)
Optional: https://orb.farm/ | Venus Death of a Planet 4k
24 AUG 2026 - Monday
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?
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.
20 AUG 2026- Thursday
Amplify Assignments GM 1.2 | Geologic Processes (water and lava flow pictures) | MAP-2 | Mar's Trek | Google Maps | | Channel on Mar
(#3) GM 1.2.1-5
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
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
17 AUG 2026 - Monday
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
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
Join our Google Class: https://classroom.google.com/c/NzkxODE1NTQwNzIx?cjc=3ys44ilz