Astronomy Chapter 2 Assessment Options
To conclude our study of chapter 2 astronomy and show your knowledge, choose one of
the options below. All options are worth 20 points. Check your choice and obtain
parent/guardian signature by _______________.
Student name: ______________________
Parent/Guardian signature: _______________________
_____ Option 1: Studier
If you prefer taking a test rather than doing a project, this option is for you. The test will
have multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions covering the four sections of chapter
4. Should you choose this option, the test will take place on _______.
_____ Option 2: Explorer
Choose three unmanned space probes to research. You should know the “who, what,
where, when, why, and how” for each. You must decide how you will share your
information with the class. Should you choose this option, the probe information (poster
or 3-5 minute speech with visuals) is due ________.
_____ Option 3: Gas Guzzler
Research various types of rocket fuel including solid, liquid and ion. Find out how these
fuels are made, their best use or historical use, their risks (exposure and environmental),
and how they are controlled for thrust. Should you choose this option, the rocket fuel
research (poster or 3-5 minute presentation with visuals) is due ________.
_____ Option 4: Communicator
The Voyager 1 and 2 probes had a golden record attached to them, should they ever be
intercepted by extraterrestrial life. Pieces of data were chosen to represent mankind. Read
the “What Is on Voyager’s Golden Record?” article on coursesites first. Now imagine we
are sending another probe to eventually travel out of our solar system. Create your own
list of data (images and sounds) that you feel should be included. Include 20-30 items and
think of how to represent us globally. Be certain to include rationale for each item.
Should you choose this option, the list of data with reasoning is due ________.
_____ Option 5: Builder
Research different space exploration vehicles (manned and unmanned) Choose one space
probe, rocket, lander, rover, shuttle, station, or other exploration vehicle. The site
“History of Space Exploration” on coursesites will help you. As you scroll down, more
possibilities will appear. Build a three dimensional accurate model of this object.
Research the parts and the purpose of their design. Colors should be done appropriately
and details should be included. Should you choose this option, the model and your ability
to share the design/parts is due ________.
_____ Option 6: Ambassador
Research the space program of a country other than the United States Develop a method
to share the history, accomplishments, and future plans of this country’s space program
with the class. Should you choose this option, the research (timeline, poster, or 3-5
minute presentation with visuals) is due ________.
_____ Option 7: Reporter
Research space exploration and choose three events. You will give the class a news
report on each of these events. If the events were in the past, you must present them as if
they are current news. Your 3-5 minute news report must cover the “who, what, where,
when, why, and how” for each event. Should you choose this option, the news report
(live or recorded) is due ________.
_____ Option 8: Biographer
Research some famous figures in space exploration. They could be rocket scientists,
astronauts, cosmonauts, engineers, men, or women. Decide on one person to conduct
formal research. You will present a 3-5 minute speech as if you are the famous person.
This may include facts about their life in general as well as their accomplishments or
contributions to space exploration. Should you choose this option, the speech (live or
recorded) is due ________.
_____ Option 9: Astronaut
Research the training program for astronauts as well as the daily life in space. Include
daily activities such as eating, hygiene, exercise, etc. Should you choose this option, the
research (poster or 3-5 minute presentation with visuals) is due ________.
_____ Option 10: Entrepreneur
Research private space programs including, but not limited to, SpaceX, Orbital Sciences
Corporation, and Virgin Galactic. Find out what these companies are completing for
space exploration. Cover the “who, what, where, when, why, and how.” Should you
choose this option, the research (poster or 3-5 minute presentation) is due ________.
_____ Option 11: Tracker
There are quite a few pieces of space junk orbiting Earth. Research this topic including
rocketry, trash, satellite collisions and the shooting down of satellites in the past. There
are two sites on coursesites that will help: “Space Junk” and “Satellite Collisions.”
Include why these items pose a threat and what we do about them. Should you choose
this option, the research (poster or 3-5 minute presentation) is due ________.
GRADING
All options are worth 20 points.
Test
Each multiple choice and each fill-in-the-blank item will be worth one point.
Projects
Each of the project options will be scored based on the scale below.
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
Content and Completeness
Is everything included?
Correctness
Is all information correct?
Neatness
Is the product neat?
Appropriate communication
Is the information clearly
presented, easy to read, and
understandable?