Instructions[edit]

Here you will find Writing Assignment #1.

Prompt[edit]

Astronomy is the oldest science and some important insights about the universe were gained even before the invention of the telescope. In no more than 750 words, address the following two questions:

In terms of the scientific method, how does astronomy differ from a lab science like chemistry or biology? How can astronomers be confident of their understanding of objects that are remote from the Earth?

Ancient cultures built some impressive structures that incorporated astronomical functions and information (Stonehenge, Chichen Itza, the Great Pyramid). A friend or acquaintance of yours tries to argue that some of these structures and artifacts are evidence of "ancient astronauts" or visits by intelligent aliens. How would you rebut or argue against this idea?

BEFORE YOU BEGIN! Plan ahead: Create a rough-outline so that you may better express your thoughts in a clear and ordered fashion. Be sure to use facts and relevant examples to reinforce your response.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT! Before you submit your writing, be sure to self-assess based on the rubric!

==Instructions==

You are limited to a 750 word response. There is no set writing format we ask you to follow, but we do recommend that you carefully read the writing prompt and address exactly what is asked. A good way to ensure this is to restate the question(s). For example, should the writing prompt ask:

"What is the Scientific Method?"
You might begin by stating:
"The Scientific Method is..."

And then order your paragraphs/sections accordingly.

You might consider composing your response in a word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word) in order to better facilitate your writing. Once complete, simply copy and paste your text.

Do not attach external documents or images or cite outside sources. There is no need to do so. The information provided by Dr. Impey in his video lectures and textbook is sufficient to answer all questions.

As per Coursera’s official Honor Code (https://www.coursera.org/about/terms/honorcode) plagiarism is explicitly forbidden. If, when evaluating a writing assignment, you should suspect that a student has plagiarised material, please report the matter to Coursera: https://learner.coursera.help/hc/en-us/articles/201223999-Honor-Code-Plagiarism

Review Criteria[edit]

How your writing will be evaluated:

You will be reviewed by four of your peers. Four peers will also evaluate your writing using the same 6-point rubric you see below. Your total grade will be the average of these four evaluations.
While evaluating your peers please keep in mind that even if a response is different from your own, it may still be correct, and thus warrant a passing grade. You are not asked to judge your peers spelling or writing comprehension; only their response, whether it is correct or not based on the answers provided.

Grading Criteria[edit]

The goal of the writing is to correctly and concisely answer the questions based on the content in the video lectures. A 6-point scale is used for quantitative grading. Each question is worth three points: two points for correctly answering the question; and one point for expressing your thoughts clearly and using supporting facts and relevant examples.

0 points – The writer does not answer any of the questions correctly.

2 point - The writer correctly answers question one correctly.
3 points - The writer correctly answers question one correctly AND the writer correctly expresses their thoughts clearly, and uses supporting facts and relevant examples.

2 point - The writer correctly answers question two correctly.
3 points - The writer correctly answers question two correctly AND the writer correctly expresses their thoughts clearly, and uses supporting facts and relevant examples.