Background:

I write a column for the Sunday Boulder Daily Camera every 5 weeks on the Boulder Space Scene. I write about space missions and the involvement of Boulder scientists. I have printed an example on the back of this page. The challange is to communicate the scientific results in a way that interests the general public - within the constraints of exactly 550 words. But I like the opportunity to learn about a space mission and how local people are involved. There is a huge amount of material on the web about NASA space missions - I want to give you an opportunity to explore through it.

Purpose:

1. To learn about missions to planets - what they explore, how they explore, why.
2. To communicate their scientific mission clearly and succinctly.

Assignment:

Write a 550 word report on one of the following NASA missions

1. Galileo - http://galileo.jpl.nasa.gov/
2. Mars Global Surveyor - http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/
3. Cassini - http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/

The report should include a description of the mission, a scientific question it will address and why the issue is important for our understanding of the solar system.

Format:

Typed with the following at the top:

1. Name
2. Title
3. Scientific topic addressed
4. The word count - should be within 15 words of 550 words.
5. References used in the report (e.g. web page or book)

Suggestions

• Pick a mission - look for the aspect you find most interesting
• List the topics & issues you want to cover
• Write sentances which cover these topics
• Keep sentances short - and only 2-3 sentances per paragraph.
• Find a first sentance which leads the reader into the article.
• Check the word-count and edit accordingly.