ESC 1021
Term Project Requirement
Part of the requirements for passing this class successfully requires
students to complete a research project on a current astronomical topic. Although the class itself examines the solar system, the student may feel free
to select any subject area as long as it involves an up-to-date topic of
research. You will find many possibilities by searching through
astronomy-related news stories at:
Schedule for the paper:
- Term project assigned: September 20
- Term project topic due: September 27
- Term project due: November 29
Requirements:
You may elect to either write a paper, conduct
an observational research project using a telescope or binoculars (suggestions
available from instructor), or
present a short oral report to the class. The topic must involve
up-to-date research -- no biographies of Galileo, please.
If you elect the paper:
- Paper must be typed, double-spaced, single-sided in a report folder.
If written on a word processor or computer, set the font to Times New Roman, CG
Times, or equivalent, 12 point.
- Paper format: MLA
(click the link for more information)
- Bibliography with at least three primary sources.
- Include title of work, author, publisher, date of publication.
- If sources were found on the Internet, include title and address
(http://www.blahblahblah.com)
- Length: 4-6 pages.
- On the first page, list student name, student number, title of paper,
date handed in, and course number.
If you elect an observational research
project:
- You must have access to the equipment on
your own as needed (telescopes at the school are probably not available, but
we can ask).
- Approval by instructor is required before embarking
on the project.
- You must demonstrate that you have conducted
the agreed upon observations and recorded data. Either a paper,
meeting the criteria above, or an oral presentation, meeting the criteria
below, is acceptable.
If you elect the oral presentation:
- Presentation must be four to six minutes
in length
- Graphics and handouts considered a plus
- You must also hand in a written
bibliography with at least three primary sources.
- Include title of work, author, publisher, date of publication.
- If sources were found on the Internet, include title and address
(http://www.blahblahblah.com)
In either case:
- Late projects will not be accepted
- No recycled projects...this is to be your own, original work
Need some help organizing your term project?
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