Instructor: Amanda Penwell
Classroom: Room 14
Honors Earth and Environmental
Science Syllabus
Fall 2017
Course Description:
In Honors Earth and Environmental Science we will explore how
the Earth formed and all of the processes that have shaped and
continue to shape the Earth. We will examine how Earth processes
and life are interconnected. Students will be challenged to think
critically about how the choices we make impact the earth and
environment. Students will be able to make informed decisions
using what they learn about the Earth and scientific thinking.
Throughout the semester we will look at how the large scale
concepts we are learning about can be seen in North Carolina.
Big Ideas:
As students explore Earth and Environmental Science, the following
big ideas and essential questions can help organize the information:
Structure: How is the scientific process structured so what we
find out is reliable? What is the structure of Earth?
Relationships: How are Earths systems related? How do
geology, hydrology, etc impact humans and vice versa?
Patterns: How can we use patterns to understand what
happened in Earths history and predict what may happen in the
future?
Change: How is the Earth changing? How are we impacting those
changes? Can we change our impact?
Science Binders
Students will maintain a binder for Earth and Environmental
Science. A one-inch binder for just EES would be ideal, but I
understand that can get pricey.
Organization of binder:
-Notebook for note-taking and research (I provide this!)
-Divided sections (each with a table of contents from me!):
1) Classwork
2) Weekly Quizzes
3) Long Term Project
Grading Scale
50% of grade: Chapter/Unit Tests
32% of grade: Labs/Projects
10% of grade: Quizzes
8% of grade: Class/Homework
A Note about Homework
Students work on a semester long project in my science class. This
requires some homework. Other than that, students should mainly
be: reviewing notes, and reviewing for assessments. I provide extra
study tools for review also. IF you see your student spending an
excessive amount of time (more than 45 min/night) on EES
homework, he or she is most likely NOT working efficiently in class
Office Hours:
Email:
Phone Number: (919) 718-7295 ext 0112
Course Website:
https://sites.google.com/view/penwellees/home
Classroom Expectations/Responsibilities:
In my classroom, we function as a community of college ready
learners. I set high expectations for all students. To function
smoothly, we all abide by the Five Finger Contract:
SAFETY (pinky finger): Students interact with each other in ways
that foster a physically and emotionally safe environment.
LOYALTY (ring finger): We loyally strive to succeed, work
efficiently, and seek opportunities to support our goals.
RESPECT (middle finger): We speak and act respectfully at all times.
Maintain TSLANT (Take headphones out, Sit up straight, Listen,
Ask and answer questions, Nod your head, Track the speaker).
ACCOUNTABILITY (pointer finger): Students come to class on time
and prepared. Students do their own, original work and cite other
works that they use (NO PLAGIARIZING!). Work is turned in on
time and done to a high quality. Ask for help when you need it!
POSITIVITY (thumb): In our classroom, students assume positive
intent.. Encourage each other! Speak kindly! Ask questions and
maintain a CAN DO attitude!
Technology Policy: Only school related resources or personal
music during work time should be accessed at school. Cell phones
may be used ONLY when directed by the teacher to support
instruction.
AVID Expectations and Materials
LEC is an AVID school. All students are required to maintain an AVID
binder and to take and use Cornell notes in every class. An AVID
binder will include the following:
A section in a binder (or a separate binder) for each class
A pencil pouch with a pen, a pencil, a highlighter, and sticky
notes
A planner (provided by advisors) or calendars (provided by
AVID elective teachers)
An up to date table of contents, syllabus, and Cornell notes
for every class
In addition, students will have a folder for each class in their Google
Drive (this will be set up in AVID). Students will take and use Cornell
notes in every class.
 and it may be time for a parent/guardian, teacher, student meeting.
Please contact me if you think this would help your student!

Lee County Transfer Goals:

Through Earth and Environmental Science, students will work
toward meeting the Lee County Transfer Goals. The hope is that by
graduation, all Lee County students
1. Can demonstrate effective and creative written and oral
communication in various formats appropriate for purpose and
audience.
2. Can, without significant scaffolding, comprehend and evaluate
complex texts across a range of types and disciplines, and then
construct arguments and convey intricate or multifaceted
information. Likewise, students are able independently to discern a
speakers key points, request clarification, and ask relevant
questions.
3. Can solve real-world problems by applying various strategies.
4. Are self-directed learners who can self-evaluate using
different perspectives.
5. Are responsible/respectful leaders/citizens who can
empathize in various situations.

Positive Behavior Reinforcement Grading Policy

At LEC, we have awesome students who go above and
beyond expectations! I love to let students and parents/guardians
know when their students ROCK in the classroom. Students will
also have opportunities to nominate their classmates for great
behaviors as a learner. There is a box in the classroom to drop
these off in. Example awesome learner behaviors include improving
on an area of struggle, leadership on major projects, etc.
Consequences
If a student demonstrates behaviors that do not support
learning, there are consequences.
Teacher Observed Negative Behavior Consequence
1st Observation Warning
2nd Observation 5 minutes refocusing
Multiple Observations Conference/Detention at my discretion
At LEC we expect students to master material, to prepare to move
on to community college and four-year college classes, and to learn
from their mistakes. With this in mind, please
be aware of these policies*:
1. 10 points a day are deducted from late
work. The lowest grade you can get is
a 50%.
2. You must complete all assignments
before the end of the semester or your
grade will be Incomplete.
3. If you have missing work, you will
complete it during Working Lunch.
4. If you fail to turn in an assignment on time and want to
avoid a grade of Incomplete, your work MUST be turned
in by December 13th.
5. Plagiarism is recorded on a schoolwide basis and three
strikes will result in suspension and a zero on that task.
Do not copy and do not let others copy you.
*Please review the student handbook for in-depth coverage of the
grading policy at LEC.

For Parents and Guardians:

I am excited to be your students first high school science teacher! PLEASE contact me with any questions, comments, concerns. Please
be active in your students education and the LEC family! Throughout the semester I will notify you of ways to get involved with what
students are doing in class. Here are some ways to start:
1) Check my class blog: https://sites.google.com/view/penwellees.. This is where you can see what your student is doing and can be
working on at home.
2) Get your student living science EVERYWHERE! Take your students hiking, to science museums, stargazing. Get them involved in the
kitchen. Read or watch the news together, see if you can pick out what is science and technology related. Science is everywhere!
3) Participate in your students projects. Students have a long term assignment about sustainability and the choices we make. Some parts of
this project require changes made at home (ex. shorter showers) and discussions with family members. Please help your student excel at
completing this project! (That being said, do not DO your students project for them :-). Thank you for your support!