Scientific Discoveries from the Apollo 11 Mission: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Moon and Solar System”

The purpose of a research paper in an introductory class is to help you develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Through the process of selecting a topic, conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting their findings, you will learn how to gather information, evaluate sources, and communicate your ideas effectively. In addition, research papers can help you gain a deeper understanding of a subject, as you explore a topic in more depth than you would in a traditional lecture or classroom discussion. Research papers also give you the opportunity to explore your own interests and develop your own unique perspectives on a topic. One of your high-stake assignments this semester is the term paper. For the term paper, you are to do research on one topic in the field of astronomy. A list of possible topics can be found here. You will need to conduct thorough research on your topic by consulting various sources such as books, journals, and online databases. You will need to use at least two credible sources for your term paper (the course textbook does not count as a source and neither Wikipedia nor ChatGPT are considered as credible). The goal of the paper is to teach your reader (or viewer) something about your topic and its overall role in astronomy, and it should have a good balance between breadth and depth. The final paper should be well-researched, well-written, and clearly demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Skills The purpose of this assignment is to help you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in this course: SLO 1 & 2 Tasks For this Term Paper assignment, you need to submit the following information: A cover page A 3 to 4 pages research paper on a topic of your choice (chosen in previous assignments) in astronomy A reference page/bibliography Submission Format Select “Start Assignment” above to begin the assignment. Submit the assignment as one single PDF file. Time Frame This assignment is untimed once opened and it is expected to be completed prior to end of the day on Saturday of Week 15. Late work not accepted at all as per the syllabus. Criteria for Success This is a research paper, so it should cover more information than what’s presented in our course textbook and in the course assignments. Academic papers are usually written in third-person. You are, after all, citing researchers and other authors and academic resources to support your topic rather than stating your own personal experience. Make sure you have used at least two credible and recent sources for your term paper. Remember that our course textbook does not count as a source! Make sure you have a bibliography page for the term paper, and any research materials and evidence used in your term paper is properly cited (in-text citation). Make sure you have at least 3 to 4 pages worth of materials. 3 to 4 pages of text is roughly 800 to 1000 words. See the grading rubric before you submit your final product.