1. Bonus Project Astronomy & You
As indicated by the syllabus, you may complete a bonus project to improve your grade
This project will relate one of your interests to astronomy
The project grade will replace one of your exam scores, assuming this benefits your final grade

2. How Can This Help?
For example, if your exam scores are a 64, 84 and 77, then your exam average will be a (84+77)/2 = 80.5
If you complete the bonus project and get a score of 92, then your exam average will be a (92+84)/2 = 88
This combined with homeworks, in-class assignments, and the final may push you up a grade or two

3. Put Some Effort Into It!
Since this is worth an exam grade, I expect some time and effort to be put into the project
You will have a month to complete it, so don't waste your time
It will be graded thoroughly, no easy points

4. Project Description
Most of the class has been devoted to filling you full of astronomy facts
It would be better to see if you can find a way that astronomy relates to you and your interests
From your college major or a hobby, create a project which ties your personal interests to the field of astronomy

5. Examples
Art – Describe how various pieces of artwork or sculpture have been influenced by astronomical bodies or events. If possible, create your own painting, sculpture etc. based on something we have discussed in class.
Psychology – Research and describe the effects of long term space travel on the human mind. What type of people and what sort of measures would need to be taken for a manned mission to Mars?
Sociology – Discuss the role astronomy has played in the struggle between science and religion. If possible, conduct a survey of students/faculty on the topic and try to explain your results.

6. Examples
English – Describe the influence of astronomy on poetry and other works throughout human history. Describe how the science fiction genre influences human culture.
Computers/IT – Discuss how the growing requirements of astronomical observation and space exploration have advanced and tested technology and the use of computers. How do the electronics work on most space probes, the space shuttle, the space station, etc?
Film – Discuss the effects of science based films on society (somewhat like our Bad Astronomy lecture). If possible, create your own film about something we talked about in class (like the slow motion cratering videos).

7. Examples
Accounting/Finances – Explore the costs of individual missions or space programs as a whole. Compare the space budgets of different countries. Is the price paid worth the outcome?
Photography – Describe the advances in imaging made by astronomy from photographic plates to CCD’s and what effect it had on commercial photographic equipment. If possible, try your hand at astrophotography and discuss all the extra requirements needed compared to other types of photography.
Music – Discuss the many musical pieces that have been devoted to the heavens. If possible, create your own piece of astronomy related music.

8. Must Include a Paper
Each project must also include a paper explaining the motivation and reasoning behind the topic (you can't just turn in a painting or a video ...)
Some projects may only be a paper
Paper must be at least 4 pages, typed, double-spaced, 14-pt font or smaller, with reasonable margins
Paper must also include reference list (which does not count toward the minimum 4 pages)

9. Project Grade Your project grade will be based on the following:
60% Content – This is the main point of your project. Are you successful in relating your interest to some aspect of astronomy and do you support that link with lots of information?
25% Creativity – In addition to helping your grade, I want this project to be fun and interesting for both you and me. The more creative and thoughtful the topic and presentation, the better your grade.
15% Grammar/Spelling – This should be a college level paper and should be formatted appropriately with few, if any, spelling errors.

10. What You Need To Do
1) Decide if you even want to do the bonus project in the first place
2) Decide on a topic for your project
3) YOU MUST ME YOUR IDEA BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17th!!!
4) Research and work on project/paper - me if you need any help or advice
5) Turn in project and paper by Friday, December 8th

11. Changes in Schedule
On Monday we will talk about stars in the stellar neighborhood
Exam 3 will be on Wednesday
Class on Friday, November 17th is cancelled!
This applies to lecture only, LABS still meet!
Remember we do not have class on Monday, November 20th