Due Monday by 11:59pm
Background
In scientific circles, professional conferences and seminars are held and research posters are presented. The purpose of this poster is for you to present an aspect of astronomy that you personally find fascinating. You will research the topic, create a poster with graphics and text (usually 700-900 words), and eventually present your findings to the class in a discussion forum.
This particular assignment is only the first step, and often times it’s the beginning of a back and forth conversation with your instructor to narrow a topic that works best for you.
Throughout the semester, you will continue to work on this research covering your chosen topic. You are expected to write thought-provoking ideas and questions, exploring them with sound logic, and develop with evidence, data, and detail. Whenever possible, link your topic to the topics covered in the class. Your “personal take” on an issue or event should not be included. The nature of this writing will be dictated by the topic you’ve chosen. Consider discussing the scope of the research with your instructor before you start writing.
Topic Proposal and First Reference- YOU ARE HERE. Please submit your topic choice AND a first reference (10 points)
Outline and References (20 points)
Research Poster (50 points)
Research Presentation (20 points)
Total: 100 points
Expectations:
Consider the length of your poster, and what can be presented in an academic poster. A topic that is too narrow might be hard to find quality sources, and a topic that is too large cannot fit into the length expectations.
You may change your topic at any time.
Your Assignment:
Submit a document (or text entry) that includes the following two items:
Your topic choice AND a brief explanation of the details/subtopics you plan on covering
A link to your first quality reference(s). Consider the following:Authority- who is writing the article
Currency- how recent is the publication? Is there newer information available?
Scientific Accuracy- Are they citing existing specific research? Providing concise figures and values?
Objectivity/bias – Is there evidence of bias or pseudoscience?
Purpose – What is the purpose of this article?