This document provides an introduction to an Earth and environmental science class. It will examine patterns and processes in the natural world and how human activity modifies them. Major topics covered will include energy, human population, food, biodiversity, and global change. Students will consider how physical, chemical, and biological processes interact in nature and are interconnected. They will analyze questions related to astronomy, the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, energy, and biosphere. The class will focus on energy as an intertwining feature. It will also consider humanity's ecological footprint. The document outlines an honors poster project where students research and present information on an environmental issue.