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Earth/Environmental Science Website: www.wfhsearthscience.weebly.com

Mr. Paramore (jparamore@wcpss.net) Remind Join Code: hkab76
Fall 2018 Google Classroom Join Code: yum9dy (2nd)
kuhh94 (3rd)

Welcome to Earth/Environmental Science. This semester we will explore a variety of science

concepts centered around our home planet and beyond. This course concludes with a NC Final
Exam (NCFE) that counts as 20% of the final grade.
By the end of this course, you will be
able to:
● EEn.1.1 Explain the Earth’s role as a
body in space.
● EEn.2.1 Explain how processes and
forces affect the lithosphere.
● EEn.2.2 Understand how human
influences impact the lithosphere.
● EEn.2.3 Explain the structure and
processes within the hydrosphere.
● EEn.2.4 Evaluate how humans use
water.
● EEn.2.5 Understand the structure of
and processes within our
atmosphere.
● EEn.2.6 Analyze patterns of global
climate change over time.
● EEn.2.7 Explain how the lithosphere,
hydrosphere, and atmosphere
individually and collectively affect the
biosphere.
● EEn.2.8 Evaluate human behaviors
in terms of how likely they are to
ensure the ability to live sustainably
on Earth
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Course Sequence (subject to change):

Quarter & Unit Content Standards Pacing

Quarter 1

Day 0 - 90

Introduction to Day 1 - 4
Earth/Environmental
Science

Lithosphere 2.1: Day 5 - 15

Processes and Forces

Lithosphere 2.2: Human Day 16 - 22

Impacts

Hydrosphere 2.3: Day 23 - 29

Structure and Processes

Hydrosphere 2.4: Human Day 30 - 35

Impacts

Atmosphere: 2.5 Day 36 - 43

Structure and
Composition
Quarter 2

Atmosphere: 2.6 Global Day 44 - 55

Climate Change

Biosphere: 2.7 Biosphere Day 56 - 60

Biosphere: 2.8 Day 61 - 68

Sustainability

Astronomy 1.1 Day 69 - 80

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Student 3-ring binders: It is imperative that you keep up with your notebook and keep it
extremely organized. This will help when studying for tests and the EOC when getting
returned work.

You will need to organize your binder by using tabs of your choosing. You should have 1 binder
with 12 tabs, 1 for each unit including the NCFE.

Evaluation: Student grades are determined every nine weeks by the average % from the
following categories.

● Unit Tests & Quizzes: Each test/quiz will be composed of multiple choice questions
(like the state NCFE) and may also include short answer and essay questions. Tests are
graded, returned the next day, and discussed. Misconceptions are corrected before
moving on to the next unit. They may be online or on paper.

● Lab Reports: Students will write at least

one formal report on experiments they have
designed. These reports include an abstract,
introduction, background, hypothesis, procedure,
observations, data tables, and graphic
representation of data, analysis, and conclusions.
Other minor lab write-ups allow students to make
critical observations, analyze data, and draw
conclusions during hands-on, collaborative group
activities.

● Presentations: At least once every nine

weeks, students working in groups, present a
presentation on an assigned topic.

● Projects: Students will also be responsible for completing multiple projects throughout
the semester. In some cases students will work in groups and at other times they may
work independently.
o Once groups are established, you will be responsible for your participation in the
group. Your lack of participation will be determined by teacher observation,
student feedback, and/or appropriate completion of duties assigned. During
group work, you are responsible for keeping your voice to an inside working level
Your inability to participate appropriately will result in the usual order of
consequences, removal from the group to work on your own, or ceasing group
work for the entire class.
o Each individual student will graded on his/her individual efforts/contributions to
the group work along with the overall work outcome (product).
o Projects are assigned and submitted via Google Classroom

● Homework Assignments: Students will be given 1-2 assignments to complete at home

per week. This may be something as simple as studying vocabulary via Quizlet, making
flash cards, a worksheet, video to watch with questions, or reading. Students will be
responsible for completing this. Most homework is assigned and submitted via
Google Classroom.
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● Midterm Exam and Final Exam: The midterm is a teacher made exam in the middle of
the semester. The final will consist of the state EOC test at the end of the semester.

Grading Scale:
Grade Distribution: A= 90-100
1. Tests/Major Projects: 40% B= 80-89
2. Quizzes/Minor Projects: 30% C= 70-79
3. Classwork/Labs: 20% D=60-69
4. Homework: 10% F= Less than 60
5. NCFE: 20% of your overall class
grade

Remediation:Students will receive required remediation when they don’t meet proficiency goals.
This will then give them an opportunity to improve scores on tests and quizzes.

Turning in assignments: All assignments must be turned in to the designated area of the
classroom immediately when I ask for it. Have all assignments out and ready to turn in when the
bell rings. Assignments collected one minute after I request it, will be considered a late assignment.
Do not start copying another student’s paper or allow someone else to copy yours. Students
found copying will be referred to administration and receive a phone call home.

Additional Help/Office Hours: I will be available during Cougar Time for extra help/questions and
my office hours are every Friday after school from 2:40-3:10. Students needing tutoring or parent
meetings work best at those times. Feel free to drop by or, better yet, make an appointment so I’ll
know to expect you! Please let me know if you would like to meet outside of those times and I’ll do
my best to work with your schedule.

Classroom Expectations: I expect all students to come to class ready to learn. We will focus on
the schoolwide Cougar PRIDE in the Forest while in class.

PUNCTUALITY Be seated, materials out, and ready to begin class when the tardy bell rings.
RESPECT Follow all classroom procedures. Use appropriate language, tone, and volume. Be
mindful of others’ space and work environment.
INTEGRITY Be honest with yourself and others. Use resources (cell phone, internet, etc.) only as
assigned.
DETERMINATION Strive for understanding. Always do your best. If you make a bad grade, have
the mindset to work harder.
EXCELLENCE Maximize your effort. Take ownership of your efforts and actions.

You are expected to come on time everyday and rested. You are expected to come prepared
to learn, participate appropriately, get along with others and contribute positively to the learning
environment. Leave the playing around, silliness and childish behavior outside the classroom.
You have much to learn in the 1 semester we have together. All students have a right to learn
and the teacher has the right to teach! Anyone who repeatedly interferes with our positive
learning environment will be reported and given appropriate consequences

Technology Use: WFHS is officially a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school. We will
use devices weekly to enhance instruction. The specific policy for student devices in
every classroom is such:
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● Students may use their devices (phones, tablets, laptops) in the classroom
during instructional time, with teacher direction and instruction. As we will
always start on RED, students will be required as a class rule to
immediately turn their phone off and in when coming into class. I have a
storage area, with their assigned numbered location, at the front of the
room (laptops & tablets should be kept securely out of sight by the
student)
○ Teachers will display a RED card/signal indicating that your device is
powered off, put away, and is NOT in use.
○ Teachers will display a YELLOW card/signal indicating that your device is
on silent and is face down on the desk. The student should ask before
using.
○ Teachers will display a GREEN card/signal indicating that your device is in
use as directed by the teacher.

BYOD Inappropriate Use and Discipline:

● 1st Inappropriate Use - Student will receive a verbal warning from the teacher.
● 2nd Inappropriate Use - Student will receive a second verbal warning and parent
will be contacted.
● 3rd Inappropriate Use - Student will be sent to the office and will give
Administrator their device. The student will then finish that period in ISI and
phone can be picked up by the students at the end of the day.
○ On the third offense if the student does not give the device to admin,
and/or it is the second time a student has been sent out for misuse, the
student is sent to ISI for the remainder of the day and parent is contacted.

Absences: If you are ABSENT, you are responsible for obtaining your assignments…do not
rely on your peers to tell you what you missed. You need to get your handouts from Mr.
Paramore or print them off of our website. This should be taken care of the very day that you
return to school. Please be advised that some classwork/lab activities may not be able to be
made up. Any daily activity missed that can not be made up will be recorded as exempt (no
credit). This will NOT count against your average in any way, shape or form.

Make-Up work: Students will have three days to make up all assignments. All makeup work
must be turned in to me, personally. ***Please note that if an assignment was due or a test/quiz
was scheduled the first day you were absent, then you will be expected to turn in the
assignment or make-up test/quiz on the day you return or it will be considered late.

Short term or extended absences: If you know in advance you will be absent from class for 3
or more days, please give the teacher as much notice as soon as possible so make up work can
be gathered for you. If it is a sudden extended illness your parent can make a request for your
teachers to place make up work in the front office. It usually takes a few days for teachers to get
the email request and gather the materials. Your parent or relative my come during school hours
of 7am-3:30pm to pick up materials. You may email me the request at jparamore@wcpss.net.
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ISI – Again, it is best if you ask me ahead of time about your make up work so I can give you
any handouts you will need. Otherwise I will email a textbook assignment to the ISI teacher
when I get the request.

When you are tardy: Enter the classroom quietly, put your pass in the basket, & sign the tardy
log..

Tardy policy: See school policy. A Plan of Action will be initiated including possible detention,
parent phone call, ISI, loss of parking pass, and additional consequences.

Fire, extreme weather, and lockdown situations: You will be required to honor the
policies and procedures put in place by the county and school for each situation. During
drills,students will perform all tasks specific to the situation at hand as if they were really taking
place. I will go over the procedures for each situation at the beginning of the school year, and
provide feedback on things that went right/wrong after drills have been performed. Failure to
stay with the group during fire drills is grounds for an automatic referral. I will be with you, so
stay with me and the class at all times.

Following county, school, and classroom policies: You and your parent/guardian are
responsible to read all handbooks and required handouts to be aware of all policies and
procedures. Do not hesitate to ask if there is anything you do not understand or are not clear
on.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS:
● Cell phones are to be off (not on vibrate) and placed in storage area in front of
room when on RED or discipline procedures will be followed if you have it at
your desk on RED– no exceptions. If a parent needs to contact you during the
school day, they must call the school (919-554-8611) and have the secretary
contact the appropriate classroom teacher to get a message to you. Parents may
wish to save the school’s number in their cell phone or planner. If it is a non-
emergency, they could also leave you a voice or text message on your phone to
check at the end of the day.
● IPODs, MP3 or other electronic/music devices, etc. are not to be used during the
school day and need to be put away. (laptops/tablets must be kept away unless
on GREEN.
● Anytime you leave campus during the school day, you must sign out through the
front office or it is considered skipping – even if a parent picks you up.
● During the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of class students are not
allowed to be outside of the classroom. I will not allow you to leave class during
those times.

Materials Required for Earth Science: 3 ring binder, 12 dividers, Colored pencils, highlighters,
notebook paper, pens/pencils, & earbuds/earphones should be available in class when needed.

Communication: I encourage all students and parents to communicate with me regularly. I am

available by calling the school. Also, I may be contacted by email at jparamore@wcpss.net.
Please check the course website at www.wfhsearthscience.weebly.com for daily lesson plans
and a link to our full curriculum. There’s a contact form there, as well.

Please join my Remind Class for the semester via the code on the first page.
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Ok, you have the plan...

LET’S DO THIS!!!