Course Project    

The project can be on a topic of your own choosing related to the class.  It can be in electronic form or a
10 page paper and is due April 25, 2003.

NEW NEW: Here is a list of student projects from Spring 2003

NEW:  Here are some suggestions for sources for your project
 
 

The Movie 2001 and the Evolution of Man
This is an example of a class project based on the movie 2001 a Space Odyssey
 

Possible IDEAS For Class Project

Note, computer projects (orbit simulations or web masters) should have a
written paper also but it can be much shorter. A program or spread sheet
listing can be included but it is only a minor part of the project. You
should say in words what you did in the computer program and explain your
results. 

 

The goal of the project is to explain some of the science from class
(which is of interest to you) in your own words. You should try to include
as much science as possible. It would be very nice to tell how some of the
different topics in the class fit together. For example, explain how the
search for past life on Mars helps determine the probability for life to
arise around other stars and the chance for SETI to succeed. 

When in doubt discuss as much of the science covered in class as possible.

 

You should note your sources. You could start with the Web including the
few suggestions on the course page and then do your own search. 

 

For example, if your project is on a Mars mission you could read R. 
ZubrinFree Press, NY 1996). Then you could talk about what we know already
about Mars, what we would be looking for, how and when we might go and
what exploration will happen between now and the manned mission. Finally,
you could describe the manned mission in some detail:  how many people,
how many spacecraft, what are some of the problems and dangers

 

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your rough draft with me
please feel free to ask questions in lec., send me email or come and talk
in office hours or arrange another appointment.