In the News (project)

Background:

Why should we care about astronomy? How are we able to take images of items so far away? How do we know what is out there? Why should we fund such large research projects? How does this really affect YOU? These are the questions this project should address.

Assignment: Choose a SPECIFIC and RECENT topic within the field of astronomy. (example-not just black holes but a newly discovered black hole). This needs to include a photo; this CANNOT be an artists rendition! Explore the science behind your topic and describe your image.

• Check out the links here for topic ideas and references.

Remember, this is 7.5% of your grade!!!I It is your responsibility to know your date, and I cannot guarantee a second if you forget.

This assignment has two components:

• Video presentation
• Written paper (none for 2018---you're welcome)

Logistics

Presentation: (5-7 minutes)

1. You will be creating a presentation for your class, filming it, and uploading to YouTube.
   1. Your presentation will be 6-8 slides, and needs to include at least 3 REAL images of your topic.
      1. Title:your topic and names
      2. Description of your topic.
         1. necessary science background(1-3 slides)
         2. be sure to describe all things related to your topic!
            1. example: if your topic is a specific black hole, you should know what forms black holes. Or if a supernova, you should know the two types.
         3. Discovery: include mission location and objective (if applicable). WHY were/was the image(s) taken?
         4. What new information does this provide to astronomers, scientists or humanity?
      3. Why should we care? What new information does this provide to humanity, the scientific community??
      4. Fun Facts: Additional information on your topic:
         1. this could be the mission or telescope, new discoveries, or other pertinent information.
      5. your references (see note at the bottom)
      • You will need at least 3!!

Guidelines for your presentation:

• Frame the presentation as a narrative, and tell a story rather than give a report.
• Use an attention grabbing opening that raises the important question. Pique the audience’s interest to start. Continue to ask questions.
• Use images or graphics instead of text on your slides.
• Use voice audio to compliment, add to, or counter-point what appears on the slide, rather than to read or describe it.
• Demonstrate – show rather than tell.

Process for your presentation

Step 1: Begin with a PowerPoint deck. Include images and text in the order that you will narrate over them.

Step 2: Have a script or talking points handy.

Step 3: Record your narration.

Step 4: Match your narration (your audio track) to the images displayed.

Step 5: Edit and deploy.

Tools for your presentation

Explain Everything for ipad

Screencastomatic for computer

You can also simply record yourself presenting in my room in front of my white board and upload to YouTube.

Screencast for Mac/PC

http://www.aiseesoft.com/resource/best-screencast-software.html

Tools for Windows

https://www.nextofwindows.com/6-best-free-screencast-recording-tools-for-windows

Paper ----no paper for 2018!!

You paper should describe your photo, how it was captured, any mission this is associated with and what this contributes to the field of science. Who are the researchers or agency behind this, and what was their purpose? What is significant about this to make others want to spend time/money on this topic?

This will be submitted to www.turnitin.com BY THE NIGHT PRIOR TO YOUR PRESENTATION.

1. This should be 1-2 pages, 12 pt font (NEW TIMES ROMAN) and double spaced
   1. IF YOU USE A DIFFERENT FONT SIZE, ADJUST MARGINS OR USE A LARGE FONT YOU WILL RECEIVE NO CREDIT!!
   2. This should be well-researched (wikipedia is not a good reference!!)
   3. This should include a thoughtful introduction with background and context, supporting body paragraphs and a conclusion.
2. You will need 3 references. You can use any of the sites listed here or others, but not wikipedia.
   1. Hint: once you find your pic, use the search engines on the other sites to find reputable articles.
3. Intro: this should provide background, context and hook the reader. Should then introduce the main points of the body. Do not use the word "I" this is not your opinion. Always write in 3rd person unless specifically stated otherwise.
4. Body paragraphs: each paragraph should be its' own main idea or concept. Think about what this means to science and astronomy, what it contributes to our understanding of something, or how it introduces something entirely new. Or maybe this was just an amazing picture, and your body is describing what it is and why it looks that way. This is the main support of your paper. This is also where you could use quotes appropriately.
5. Conclusion: this should wrap up the ideas of your body, and leave the reader with a good hook sentence. Again, avoid using things like "in conclusion." Let your paper conclude itself.

General writing rules:

• Paragraphs should be 5-7 sentences and ALWAYS indented!!!
• Spelling and grammar absolutely count.
• Use quotes!!!! But these should not be free-standing within your sentence. They should be introduced, such as- so and so says "blah de blah de blah."
• Use semi-colons to separate ideas in the same sentence
• Use punctuation, and don't be afraid of the comma!!!
  • see below:

"Let's eat Grandma!"

"Let's eat, Grandma!"

See, punctuation saves lives.