Assignment: Write a paper proposing to send an unmanned spacecraft on a mission of scientific exploration to one of the planetary bodies of our Solar System.
Introduction: We have two primary sources of knowledge about the solar system: Earth-based observations (mostly information collected through telescopes) and Space exploration missions (where a spacecraft containing scientific instruments is sent to a part of the solar system to collect information which is transmitted back to Earth).
Since space agencies such as the U.S. space agency NASA have limited resources to spend on space exploration, choices must be made between many possible exploration missions. Missions are chosen based on considerations such as the inherent scientific interest of the possible mission (such as the search for evidence for past life on Mars) and to take advantage of unique opportunities (such as the mission to rendezvous with the asteroid Eros on its most recent trip to the inner solar system). Scientists, usually working in teams, propose future missions to NASA. These proposals are ranked and refined before missions are selected and their design begins. Typically the process takes years.
To give you a feel for this process of scientific decision making, I (with considerable help from Dr. Louise Kellogg, who has taught the course previously) have designed the term paper assignment to be a shortened version of this process. You are the scientist who is proposing a mission of scientific exploration.
Term Paper: You have been asked by NASA to prepare a proposal for an unmanned (no astronauts aboard) mission of scientific exploration to one of the planetary bodies of our Solar System. Your job is to:
Late Penalty: Significant penalties will be assessed for each assignment that is late. This really should not be a factor for most of you since we guide you through the paper-writing procedure through the course, including a thorough editing by the TAs.
Length of paper: The text of the paper (including the Introduction, Main Sections, and Conclusions) should be about 5-6 pages long (please do not exceed this length). Use 1" margins all around, double space, and keep the font at 12. In addition to the text of your paper, you should include a list of references cited, and at least 3 figures (more on references and figures below). The reference list and figures are not included in the 5-6 pages of your paper.
Grading: The term paper is worth 50% of the discussion grade in GEL 36 (20% of the total class grade). Your paper will be evaluated for:
Grading will be divided equally between content, writing style and presentation.
Philosophy for Grading Term Papers:
A: An A paper is well organized, free of errors in grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. The paper contains a critical analysis of issues and a description of evidence in support of the arguments. Observations and other data are separated from interpretations or evaluations. The paper is a pleasure to read.
B: Well organized, and communicates well, but the analysis may have flaws or may be insufficiently supported by evidence. There may be minor errors in grammar and spelling.
C: Lacks good analysis. It contains a summary of ideas and arguments, rather than a critical evaluation. It may be poorly organized, with observations intermixed with interpretations. It communicates its message, but the message is not clear because of poor organization, repetitive writing, or errors in grammar and spelling.
D: Poorly organized with no analysis and no clear message. It may be a collection of unsupported opinions or a list of disjointed facts. The writing is poor, so that the paper does not communicate well. The paper contains insufficient references or figures.
F: Fails to meet the assigned requirements. It may fail to communicate, or it may stray from the topic. It may be so laden with quotes that it is not clear what is original writing.
Plagiarism: Plagiarized
or purchased papers will receive a failing grade and will be directed
to Student Judicial Affairs. There are several ways for
us to check for plagiarism or paper-purchasing. First, the Geology
Dept. has copies of every paper that has been written for this
class over the past 6 years or so (there is a file of them in
our department, indexed for easy searches). Second, resources exist on
the web that help spot instances
of plagiarism - you would be amazed at how huge the database is
and how easy it is to spot "sampled" fragments of text.
I find it distasteful to even discuss plagiarism, but even the
most well-intentioned student does dumb things when under pressure.
Give yourself time, do the paper early, and don't get caught
short. Most plagiarism is done out of desperation. If you are
pressured by the deadline, take the late penalty and do it right rather
than cut-and-paste together a paper from the web. A visit to
Student Judicial Affairs is not a
friendly thing and it stays with you whenever anyone looks at
your school records.
Regarding the term paper assignment, if you are unclear as to what constitutes plagiarism, please visit the Student Judicial Affairs website and browse. It is very important that you understand this, as these issues arise every year - don't be the one to raise the problem.
