Extra-Credit Assignments for Astronomy 100

Grading

Numerical values between 0 and 30 (0 for just putting your name down and 30 for a perfect finish) for each of the following extra-credit assignments. You are encouraged to do all these assignments, although a maximum of 50 points will be added directly to your final numerical grade (the final 1000 total point system), and your letter grade will be adjusted afterward.

A research report (Due to the TA, April 1)


Read the posted AP article “solar burst could threaten global positioningsystem”, conduct a more in-depth research on various key topics mentioned, and write an assay (~ 2 pages) about the effectsof solar bursts on the Earth, specifically addressing the following questions:
  1. What is the nature of such bursts?
  2. How often does this sort of storms occur?
  3. How long does it take for a storm to reach the Earth, assuming a speed of 1.0e7 km/hour?
  4. Why could the storm disrupt communications?
  5. Is there anything you may expect to see visibly because of the storm?

The amount of details you can offer will be the dominant criteria for your score since the score should reflect the amount of effort you put into this exercise. An interesting drawing or diagram will be helpful.


Observatory or Planetarium Visit Report (Due to the TA, April 17)

Visit the Orchard Hill Observatory (call the phone number (413-577-4166) to see if it is going to be open before trekking up there) or one of the public observing or planetarium events organized by the Amherst Astronomy Association or the Springfield Science Museum (or something equivalent). Write a 2 (double-spaced) page report addressing the following topics:
  1. Describe the event and your trip in some detail. When and where was the event held? Why did you decide to attend this event? Who did you go with? Was it worthwhile? Would you recommend it to your friends? Would you attend another event organized by the same group? What could they have done better to make the experience more interesting or enjoyable?


  2. Describe in detail anything new that you have learned by attending in this event. Was there anything you have learned in Astronomy 100 that helped you understand what was going on? If not, was there anything you wished you had learned more about in the class?


  3. Draw or sketch a picture, a diagram, or a graphic impression that relates to this particular experience and explain the relevance.

Creative Astronomy-related Work (Due to the TA; May 4)

If your out-class extra-credit has not reached 50 points, your may earn an up to 30 point credit by expressing what you have learned in this class in your own way. You can create an artwork, compose a piece of music, write a poem or an essay about what you know about universe, or something else that uses your talent and skill. Please write a brief description of your work to help the TA and myself appreciate your creativity and effort as well as the relevance to your own experience and astronomy. This project is intended to encourage you to integrate your learning about science into your professional and personal life. Exploring the universe in your own interest and in your own way is the ultimate goal of this course.