The purpose of a research project in an introductory class is to help you develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Through the process of selecting a topic, conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting their findings, you will learn how to gather information, evaluate sources, and communicate your ideas effectively. In addition, research projects can help you gain a deeper understanding of a subject, as you explore a topic in more depth than you would in a traditional lecture or classroom discussion. Research projects also give you the opportunity to explore your own interests and develop your own unique perspectives on a topic.
One of your high-stake assignments this semester is the term project. For the term project, you are to do research on one topic in the field of astronomy. A list of possible topics can be found here. You will need to conduct thorough research on your topic by consulting various sources such as books, journals, and online databases. You will need to use at least two credible sources for your term project (the course textbook does not count as a source and neither Wikipedia nor ChatGPT are considered as credible). The goal of the project is to teach your reader (or viewer) something about your topic and its overall role in astronomy, and it should have a good balance between breadth and depth. The final project should be well-researched, well-written, and clearly demonstrate your understanding of the topic.
Skills
The purpose of this assignment is to help you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in this course:
SLO1 (Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of scientific inquiry (i.e., the “scientific method”), the nature of science, the potential limits of scientific endeavors, and the value systems and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.)
SLO2 (Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific principles as they apply to broader concepts (e.g., global climate change, the spread of infectious diseases, etc.), including historical developments of the disciplines and major contributions from various cultures of the world.)
SLO3 (Evaluate the credibility of sources of scientific information.)
SLO4 (Draw appropriate conclusions based on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative empirical data.)
SLO5 (Demonstrate an understanding of the value of science in developing a rigorous understanding of the natural world and of the impact of science on societal, environmental, political, economic, and/or technological contexts.)
Knowledge
This assignment will also help you to become familiar with the following important content knowledge in this discipline:
Content knowledge: Through the research process, students can gain a deeper understanding of a specific topic or subject area. They can learn about theories, concepts, and current debates related to the topic they are researching.
Research skills: Conducting a research project requires students to develop skills in various areas, such as identifying credible sources, evaluating information, and organizing and presenting data. These skills can be valuable in other academic and professional settings.
Research skills: Conducting a research project requires students to develop skills in various areas, such as identifying credible sources, evaluating information, and organizing and presenting data. These skills can be valuable in other academic and professional settings.
Communication skills: Research projects often require students to communicate their findings through written or oral presentations. This can help students develop skills in presenting information clearly and persuasively, which are valuable in academic and professional contexts.
Self-directed learning: Research projects often require students to work independently and manage their own time and resources. This can help them develop skills in self-directed learning and become more independent learners.
Tasks
For this Term Project assignment, you need to submit the following information:
If it is a website, submit the URL. Your citation page should be part of your website.
If it is a term paper, submit as a PDF. Your citation page should be part of the PDF.
If it is a presentation, submit it as a Media Recording (either voiceover of the presentation or a recording), then submit the accompanying PowerPoint slides (if you used one). Your citation page should be separate from your slides.
If it is a video or similar media (ie. animation), submit it as a Media Recording, as well as submit a separate annotated bibliography.
Submission Format
Select “Start Assignment” above to begin the assignment. Submit the assignment in the format as stated above.
Criteria for Success
This is a research project, so it should cover more information than what’s presented in our course textbook and in the course assignments.
Academic projects are usually written in third-person. You are, after all, citing researchers and other authors and academic resources to support your topic rather than stating your own personal experience.
Make sure you have used at least two sources for your term project. Remember that our course textbook does not count as a source!
Make sure you have a bibliography page for the term paper/website/written work (or annotated bibliography if you are doing a video), and any quotations used in your term project is properly cited (in-text citation).
Make sure you have at least 3 to 4 pages worth of materials regardless of the format of your choice. This applies to website as well.
4 to 5 pages of text is roughly 800 to 1200 words.
