The term paper is a chance for you to bring the key points you learned in the course all together into one scientific argument.
Make a scientific argument for when and how we will discover an extraterrestrial life form. You may choose to say never but no matter what stance you take your argument should show significant understanding of:
· The missions that have already been conducted, are underway, and are planned for the search for extraterrestrial life, what they were/are looking for, and their findings or potential findings.
· What types of life forms are most likely to be found first and what types of evidence we should look for to find these life forms.
· The types of locations where these life forms may exist and how the life forms are biologically well suited for those environments.
Your paper MUST BE FORMATTED WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AND HEADERS (Please actually use these headers for the sections of your paper or you risk getting a 0):
1. Introduction
2. Missions Exploring Life in the Universe
3. The Most Likely Extraterrestrial Lifeforms to be Found First
4. Promising Locations to Find Extraterrestrials
5. Conclusion
6. References
You are expected to use information you have learned on the course to EXPAND upon the information from the videos and discussions. Cutting and pasting from the Internet, or simple re-writes of what is on wikipedia or one web site does not constitute a term paper. You must demonstrate your OWN learning of the material in the course. This will be strictly enforced. Please note that I have old papers saved on my machine and will do a comparison check. If you use pieces from old papers, the paper will not be accepted and you risk academic disciplinary action if discovered.
All papers MUST follow this format or it risks getting a 0.
Criteria for a successful paper:
A successful paper will be at least 2000 words and will follow the format above. It will include:
· A clear, accurate, and coherent scientific argument that uses scientifically valid information (from the Internet or journals) and many of the main concepts used in the course. Your paper should demonstrate your understanding of these concepts, not just the awareness of the terminology.
· A clear organization and correct grammar to provide a readable and intelligent paper. It should be easy and pleasurable to read. This must include an introduction, conclusion, and the mandatory headers to help make clarify your argument.
· Within this format, your paper should demonstrate individuality and creativity to show how you have digested and interpreted the information, and to show me it is your OWN work. Papers that read like a bunch of cut and paste text without any personality will be poorly graded.
· A complete and consistent set of citations and references in APA, IEEE, or similar academic format. I dont care which format you use, but be consistent and thorough.
· Pride in your work. If you dont love it, I wont love it.
