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<b>Message From:</b> Jennifer Estrella<br>
<b>Context:</b> 0067 - Science 7 (Frances Ladue)<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Notebooks/Late work were due today!
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<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Hello there! I hope that things have been going well for you these past couple of weeks. Here is an update of what is happening in 7th grade science. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">During the week of February 24th, we finished up the topics of Unit 4 with learning about the different types of maps, and then focusing specifically on Topographic maps. They had to research the eight different maps on Friday, and then on Monday we did a mini-lab of creating our own topographic maps using clay models. The students had to make a mountain with their clay, then cut them into equal pieces using fish wire. They traced each piece on to their lab worksheet after taking measurements. On block day, 2/25 and 2/26/25,we introduced the group and individual project for Unit 4. For the group project, the students will work together to design and build a structure that will withstand an earthquake. We will use a shake table in class to observe if their buildings can survive an earthquake. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">This past week was an interesting schedule due to Student Led Conferences. We had to work with 36 minute classes on Monday, Thursday and Friday, and 65 minute classes on Tuesday/Wednesday. The first part of the project was on Monday which was to learn and understand the expectations of the project. Each group was verbally tested on specific information from Part 1, all groups passed! On Tuesday/Wednesday, the students worked on the second part of the project which was to explain what earthquakes feel like and the causes. They also took the time to learn a little bit about trusses, which are structures that are used to help support buildings, roofs and bridges. On Thursday, students were assigned a video to watch about Chile and how they are designing structures that are able to withstand severe damage from earthquakes. This gives them a real life example of how there is constant discussion about structures and earthquakes. Students then continued with the rest of Part 3 learning about different ways structures can be built to limit damage to the buildings. On Friday, the students were given a "Choose Your Work Day" where they decided as a group to focus on their science notebook that was due at the end of class OR if they wanted to work on their group project. Many students chose to work on their science notebooks for a little bit, and then worked on their projects. Their notebooks were submitted at the end of the class period.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">These next couple of weeks will go quickly with the work the students need to progress through the project. They are going to be designing and then eventually building their structure out of popsicle sticks, and then testing it. They will also have an individual portion to the project which will be to determine a location within the Bay Area for where they think their structure will withstand a strong earthquake. I provided information regarding their individual project, but I will explain in more detail next week. </span><br> </p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Grades are being slowly updated, especially for the students who turned in their late work (thank you), but as a reminder I am no longer accepting late work as the students have been reminded daily for the last two weeks to submit them. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Just a heads up of some important dates: Thursday, 3/20/25 is our 7th grade field trip, and Wednesday, 3/26/25 is our Hoover's Got Talent (students will be in advisory all day) and we start spring break with a day off on Friday, 3/28/25. Students are aware that they need to be on task with their project due to these dates. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Please let me know if there are any questions/concerns you might have, and I will try to reply as soon as I am able to. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Take care,</span><br>Mrs. Jennifer Estrella (she/her)<br>7th Grade Science<br>Herbert Hoover Middle School</p>
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