Extra Credit Reports/Projects

I normally like to have the student select on what subject they would like to do a term paper on since that means they would pick a subject that interests them. However, I have included a few recommended subjects that you may elect to report on if you just don't have any specific area that appeals to you. Regardless of what subject matter you elect to report on however, I do have a few guidelines that I expect you to follow. Failure to follow these guidelines could reduce your overall score or in certain instances have your academic history adversely affected. You may submit up to two extra credit reports within the semester reporting period.

• The report:   

  -    can be submitted either electronically or in paper form

  -    must be turned in on or before the last exam date

  -    needs to be 1,000 words or more

  -    must include reference sources

The most important aspect of the report however is that it must be done in your own words. I expect you to research and review material associated with your topic, but then to write the report from your perspective and to include your own observations, opinions or concepts. I am interested in seeing what you have learned and your ideas on the subject. I do not wish to see someone else's completed work and I consider plagiarism as one of the most serious of offenses that can be committed in the academic world and I deal with it harshly and without mercy. At the very least you will receive a failing grade for my class and in some cases it can even result in the student being placed on academic suspension or even expulsion, so be advised.

If you cannot decide on a topic you'd like to base your report on, I can suggest the following as being suitable subjects:

1. The life cycle or evolution of a typical star. Our Sun is a good example. I would like the report to describe how such a star forms, the formation of any planets that might occur and the subsequent process of how the star will end.

2. The origin and history of our Moon. How it became, what happened during its history and what the future holds for it.

3. The prospect of other life out in the universe. The series of events that must occur for this to happen, the feasibility of intelligent life forming and the odds of such events occurring. You may base your report on how life might evolve on a hypothetical planet in this or another solar system.

4. The feasibility of faster then light travel. Describe the physics involved to accomplish this and the physiological effects that this would have on an interstellar explorer. Site existing proofs.

5. The potential effects of a planetary impact. Such as a large meteor, asteroid or cometary's impact on Earth. There have been several that have occurred on Earth and a few years ago a highly observed comet impact on Jupiter. The possibility of an Extinction Level Event (ELE). An interesting sidebar study on Near Earth Objects (NEO's).

6. The evolution and eventual destruction of a star as a supernova. What are the conditions required for this star to go supernova? What happens after the star has exploded?