Bonus Project Astronomy

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Bonus ProjectAstronomy You

• As indicated by the syllabus, you may complete a
  bonus project to improve your grade
• This project will relate one of your interests to
  astronomy
• The project grade will replace one of your exam
  scores, assuming this benefits your final grade

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How Can This Help?

• For example, if your exam scores are a 64, 84 and
  77, then your exam average will be a (8477)/2
  80.5
• If you complete the bonus project and get a score
  of 92, then your exam average will be a (9284)/2
  88
• This combined with homeworks, in-class
  assignments, and the final may push you up a
  grade or two

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Put Some Effort Into It!

• Since this is worth an exam grade, I expect some
  time and effort to be put into the project
• You will have a month to complete it, so don't
  waste your time
• It will be graded thoroughly, no easy points

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Project Description

• Most of the class has been devoted to filling you
  full of astronomy facts
• It would be better to see if you can find a way
  that astronomy relates to you and your interests
• From your college major or a hobby, create a
  project which ties your personal interests to the
  field of astronomy

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Examples

• Art Describe how various pieces of artwork or
  sculpture have been influenced by astronomical
  bodies or events. If possible, create your own
  painting, sculpture etc. based on something we
  have discussed in class.
• Psychology Research and describe the effects of
  long term space travel on the human mind. What
  type of people and what sort of measures would
  need to be taken for a manned mission to Mars?
• Sociology Discuss the role astronomy has played
  in the struggle between science and religion. If
  possible, conduct a survey of students/faculty on
  the topic and try to explain your results.

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Examples

• English Describe the influence of astronomy on
  poetry and other works throughout human history.
  Describe how the science fiction genre influences
  human culture.
• Computers/IT Discuss how the growing
  requirements of astronomical observation and
  space exploration have advanced and tested
  technology and the use of computers. How do the
  electronics work on most space probes, the space
  shuttle, the space station, etc?
• Film Discuss the effects of science based films
  on society (somewhat like our Bad Astronomy
  lecture). If possible, create your own film
  about something we talked about in class (like
  the slow motion cratering videos).

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Examples

• Accounting/Finances Explore the costs of
  individual missions or space programs as a whole.
  Compare the space budgets of different
  countries. Is the price paid worth the outcome?
• Photography Describe the advances in imaging
  made by astronomy from photographic plates to
  CCDs and what effect it had on commercial
  photographic equipment. If possible, try your
  hand at astrophotography and discuss all the
  extra requirements needed compared to other types
  of photography.
• Music Discuss the many musical pieces that have
  been devoted to the heavens. If possible, create
  your own piece of astronomy related music.

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Must Include a Paper

• Each project must also include a paper explaining
  the motivation and reasoning behind the topic
  (you can't just turn in a painting or a video
  ...)
• Some projects may only be a paper
• Paper must be at least 4 pages, typed,
  double-spaced, 14-pt font or smaller, with
  reasonable margins
• Paper must also include reference list (which
  does not count toward the minimum 4 pages)

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Project Grade

• Your project grade will be based on the
  following
• 60 Content This is the main point of your
  project. Are you successful in relating your
  interest to some aspect of astronomy and do you
  support that link with lots of information?
• 25 Creativity In addition to helping your
  grade, I want this project to be fun and
  interesting for both you and me. The more
  creative and thoughtful the topic and
  presentation, the better your grade.
• 15 Grammar/Spelling This should be a college
  level paper and should be formatted appropriately
  with few, if any, spelling errors.

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What You Need To Do

• 1) Decide if you even want to do the bonus
  project in the first place
• 2) Decide on a topic for your project
• 3) YOU MUST EMAIL ME YOUR IDEA BY FRIDAY,
  NOVEMBER 17th!!!
• 4) Research and work on project/paper - Email me
  if you need any help or advice
• 5) Turn in project and paper by Friday, December
  8th

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Changes in Schedule

• On Monday we will talk about stars in the stellar
  neighborhood
• Exam 3 will be on Wednesday
• Class on Friday, November 17th is cancelled!
• This applies to lecture only, LABS still meet!
• Remember we do not have class on Monday, November
  20th