Earth Science

Astronomy Paper
Extra Credit
Oct. 6th, 2015
For the Astronomy section of this semester you may opt to complete a paper (described
herein), in addition to a coming notebook check, or you may simply score your notebook
check without the paper for a normal score.
Topics available for this paper are of two types, as follows:
A.
The Earth
a.
The Barycenter of the Earth and the Moon.
b.
The Precession of the axis of the Earth.
c.
The Nutation of the Spinning Earth.
d.
Geostationary orbits of Earths satellites.
B.

The Sun
a.
Another Star compared to our own.
b.
A Binary star system.
c.
Our Stellar neighborhood.
d.
Our Galactic neighborhood.

Each of these topics relates in some way to a part of the core curriculum as put forth by
the State of North Carolina, and allows you to find greater depth of understanding by
doing some digging of your own. More information on how these topics can be used will
be available by asking.
On the back page is a rubric for measuring what your paper needs to contain and explain
in order to receive maximum points. Use as much writing space as you need to do a
complete job on this optional assignment. Part of the scoring for your paper will also be
according to standard rules of writing (spelling, grammar, clear sentences, etc.), so a good
editor or software of that type will be useful. No plagiarism is acceptable. Write your
own paper with your own words. Make citations short, clear, and relevant (they do not
need to be college style citations but must include source name and publishing date
(download date if online), author(s), and page number or similar location reference.
The total points available are 12: four parameters weighted evenly with 3 to 0 pts
available each.
* Bear in mind that papers on the Sun subject will by default have more available facts
and data to include and compare than the more tightly defined papers on the Earth
subject. Therefore, all references on the rubric to a minimum number of instances
required to score highly should be increased accordingly (I recommend at least by two,
but doubling would still be easy and preferred). *
Papers are due on Monday, October 19th, 2015. The points will be added to your
Notebook Check score for that week.

Rubric: * see also above

Rubric

Quality Work (3)

Average Work (2)

SlipShod Work (1-0)

Accuracy

All facts and data are

correct (verifiable).
More than 1 source
cited for info.

Some "loose" facts

are included. One
citation of sources.

Facts may seem to

come from thin air or
are unverifiable. No
sources.

Complete

Minumum of 3
observations and
one comparison/
example.

Three or fewer
observations and/or
comparisons (or
they're weak).

Two or fewer
observations and
comparisons are not
described.

Interest

Interesting to read,
engaging questions
and/or information.

Disengaging or rote
style writing of little
interest.

Confusing or
disjointed words or
thoughts jumbling
together.

Aesthetics/Grammar

Clean and readable

text with minimal,
minor errors.

Readable text with

one or two
structural errors.

Rambling or overly
busy text, including
one or more major, or
many minor, errors.