This document provides information about an Honors Earth Science course taught by Mr. Pennington. It includes the course description, objectives, supplies needed, grading policy, classroom rules and expectations. The course aims to help students develop problem-solving skills and understand Earth processes through hands-on learning, labs, and fieldwork. Students will be graded on homework, classwork, quizzes, tests and participation.

1. Honors Earth Science
Mr. Pennington
Classroom: Room 120
Office: Science Office 101
E-mail: mpennington@hinsdale86.org
Voicemail: (630) 468-4502
Why Study Earth Science?
Studying our subject will help you to:
Get to know your home planet
Earth Science is, literally, the study of our entire planet, its past history and evolution, its present
activity, and the way that it will change in the future. This is a big subject for a dynamic planet,
so Earth Science can’t help but be a living, expanding subject, covering so many fields that Earth
Scientists are among the most widely educated scientists of all
Get in touch with crucial environmental issues!
Earth Science recognizes that everything and everyone on the planet is affected by its natural
processes and the way we use and exploit its natural resources. Our demands on the Earth and
our use of its raw materials produce environmental problems that you need to know about and be
able to solve.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Great scientists are recognized for their ability to create as well as evaluate ideas put forth by
their predecessors and peers. Students enrolled in my Earth Science class for the 2004-05 school
year will develop an understanding for Earth and all its functions by questioning, analyzing,
experimenting, and evaluating their discoveries in the classroom, laboratory, and out in the field.

2. We will develop hands on problem solving strategies throughout the year that will provide you
with the structure you need to succeed when difficult situations arise both academically and
socially.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
-To establish a comfortable atmosphere conducive to learning
-To develop a strong foundation for problem solving
-Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of earth science concepts and principles
-To analyze and relate science to everyday life
-To visualize and analyze graphical and pictorial information
-To collect data, analyze it and submit reports which demonstrate comprehension of the principles and
processes involved.
-To compare and contrast science and science fiction
SUPPLIES
(You need the following items with you in class everyday)
• Textbook – Earth Science, 9th Ed, Tarbuck, E.; Lutgens, F. Publisher: Prentice Hall, 2000
• Pen & Pencil with an eraser
• Three ring binder with dividers and loose leaf paper (Just For Science)
• Colored pencils
• Ruler
• Hinsdale South Student Planner
***All the above supplies must be brought to class everyday unless otherwise noted.***
I will do random materials checks throughout each quarter. This is an easy way to gain
points, so I suggest you come prepared every day. I will also periodically collect your
binder to check your class work and some homework. Keep it neat, organized, and up to
date.
CLASSROOM WEBSITE - SHAREPOINT
SharePoint is a website that will help you be successful in this course. Check it often for
updates!
1. Go to the Hinsdale South website – www.south.hinsdale86.org
2. On the right side under “Quick Links”, click on “SharePoint for Students”
3. Login to the website using your student ID
4. Click on Honors Earth Science under “My SharePoint Sites”
• If you do not have a course please email me (mpennington@hinsdale86.org)
On the main page you will see general announcements and a calendar. Check the calendar for
upcoming test/quiz dates. Also, each day will have a summary of what was done in class along
with the homework assignment (This is a great tool to use when you are absent!).
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3. GRADING
GRADING SCALE WEIGHTING SEMESTER GRADES
Quarter 1 40%
Quarter 2 40%
Final Exam 20%
Quarter 3 40%
Quarter 4 40%
Final Exam 20%
The grade you earn is based on the following criteria:
Homework:
(~10% of your grade) Homework will usually be assigned 3 times a week. However, this can
vary depending on the chapter that is being covered. Homework will consist of assigned
readings, note taking exercises, short writing assignments and pre-labs. Keeping up with your
homework and reading is essential in being successful in this class! Preparation is the Key to
Success!
All assignments will be labeled:
Name ________________
Date _________________ Pd ____
Assign. Name ________________
Class Work: (~30% of your grade)
Teamwork is an important part of the scientific process. Therefore, labs will usually be done in
groups. Participating in labs and doing YOUR part for your group will be accounted for in all
lab grades. Your composition book will be a large portion of this grade. Be sure to keep it neat
and organized! Laboratory: If you are provided with a lab handout prior to an experiment, you
are expected to have read it (Hint…anticipate a quiz!!) Your laboratories will be assessed based
on quality, neatness, attention to detail, preparation, and clean up. You will lose points on your
lab write up if you are deficient in any of these areas, and you will lose participation points for
inappropriate behavior.
Quizzes: (~10% of your grade)
Quizzes will be given in order to check for your understanding of a concept throughout the unit.
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and can cover pre-lab, assigned readings and course
content. On certain quizzes you may be able to use your notes so it is important that you take
good notes and bring them to class everyday.
Tests: (~ 40% of your grade)

4. All tests will be announced and we will review in class the day before the test. Sometimes, a
group project for a unit may be used in place of a test for a unit.
Participation Points: (~10% of your grade)
Being an active and engaged learner is a key to being successful in this class. Twice a quarter
you will be evaluated in the form of a participation grade. Students can earn participation points
by following the 5P’s which include completing classroom activities and following classroom
expectations. Students will not earn class points by being unprepared, breaking lab safety rules
and acting negatively towards classmates. The 5Ps are outlined in detail on the last page.
Extra Credit: I will provide extra credit opportunities throughout the semester. In order to earn
extra credit you must have no missing assignments for the quarter.
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LATE WORK
Assignments are usually due at the beginning of class. Assignments that come in afterwards are
considered late. Late assignments will receive a 50% grade deduction. If an assignment is
required for a class activity that same day, then it CAN NOT be turned in late and will receive a
“0” score. Late assignments CAN NOT be accepted if the assignment has already been graded
and returned to other students.
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TARDIES
If you are not physically in room 120 when the bell rings then you are considered tardy. Each
semester you are allowed 2 tardies without any discipline (a call home will be made). Your 3 , rd
4 and 5 tardy will lead to a detention. After 6 tardies, a written referral will be issued to the
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Dean’s office where disciplinary action will be taken.
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ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is necessary for success in this course because students will be involved in
many in class labs and group projects. If a student must be absent it is his or her responsibility to
find out what they missed (Check Sharepoint!). If a student is absent for one day, they will have
one day to make up all missing work. If they are absent for two days, they will have two days to
make up missing work, etc. Extended absences will be dealt with on an individual basis. Five (5)
unexcused absences is an automatic failure in the class for the semester and may be dropped
from the class and placed in a study hall. If dropped, a withdraw fail (WF) grade will appear on
the student’s permanent transcript.
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5. TECHNOLOGY
Occasionally, we will be in the library computer lab doing various exercises like power point
presentations, computer simulations, and research. I expect you to be on your best behavior, like
always! Using the computer lab is a privilege, NOT a right! I will not hesitate to take that
away from you, individually or as a class!
Another note, we have a LCD projector, DVD, and speakers in our classroom which will be used
on a daily basis. DO NOT touch any of this equipment unless we give you permission. Any
destruction of the equipment will lead to discipline by the deans, as well as payment for
damages. Respecting and protecting this technology is in your best interest. It will ultimately
enhance your learning and success in our class!
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GENERAL CLASSROOM RULES
You may have water in a regular sized clear water bottle (no flavored waters or teas). There is
absolutely no food or candy permitted. This is for your personal safety. Science rooms must be
kept absolutely clean.
Do not ask to go to the bathroom or get a drink of water in the first or last 5 minutes of class.
We will have composition book entries that you will need to complete during these times.
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CHEATING
Don’t even think about it! Don’t jeopardize your grade, integrity, and future at Hinsdale South
High School. If you’re caught copying another person’s homework, test, etc. both you and the
person who let you copy their work will receive a “0” on the assignment.
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COURSE OUTLINE
Unit 1: The Solid Earth
Unit 2: The Oceans
Unit 3: The Atmosphere
Unit 4: Astronomy
*Subject to change based on time
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EXTRA HELP

6. Honors Earth Science may be easy for some of you while it may be more difficult for others.
When you are in class and do not understand something do not hesitate to raise your hand and
ask. If you need additional help, I will always be willing to help you out. You can usually find
me during 4/5/6 and 10 period or before and after school in the science office room 101. It is
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best to let me know ahead of time to guarantee I will be available.
I hope you have a successful and enjoyable year.
I look forward to having each of you in my class! 
The 5 Ps
Each P is worth 5 points (25 points total).
Students will be evaluated based on these criterion twice a quarter.
Present Punctual Professional Productive Prepared
Physically present All materials
Communicates Uses time
during each class Arrive on time bought to class
respectfully efficiently
session and ready to go
Mentally attentive Preparation work
Turn in work on Takes care of
during the entire Remains on-task completed by class
time surroundings
class session time
Works on Mind on and
Begin each Dresses
assigned class focused during
activity on time appropriately
work class
Be ready to go at Ready to go at the
Has a positive and Completes all
the start of each start of each
helpful attitude assignments
learning activity learning activity
Takes responsibility Contributes to
for actions team work
Is attentive and Produces high
conscientious quality work
Acts in an ethical Uses activities to
manner increase learning
Takes responsibility
for learning and
academic growth