Optics Writing Assignment

Due Dates:

rough draft to reviewer and instructor: Monday, April 30
comments to partner: Tuesday, May 1
finished paper: Thursday, May 3, in class

We have been concentrating on designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing data in this class; and we'll continue to emphasize these skills for the remainder of the quarter. An aspect of science which I have not judged is your ability to convey ideas by writing.

This week, you must prove that you can communicate well using words, instead of numbers and equations. You must pick a subject from the general field of optics, do a little research, and write a short paper. Here are the rules:

the subject matter must include or relate to optics in some way
your paper must make note of this relationship
the finished paper must be between 2 and 3 pages long
if you refer to other sources of information, you must provide a full reference to the source

You must follow this schedule:

today: pick a topic, receive instructor's seal of approval
Monday, 5 PM: give instructor and peer reviewer a copy of your first draft
Tuesday, 5 PM: give copies of your comments on your peer's draft to him, and to me
Thursday, 2 PM: give instructor final copy of paper

See the attached sheet for guidelines in reviewing a paper. Follow them.

You will be judged this week on:

your rough draft, and
your comments, and
your final draft

I will grade each paper on several levels. Grammar, syntax, and spelling will be given a large weight. I will also reward clarity of thought and expression, structure, and logic. Wit and humor would surprise me pleasantly. And, of course, some connection to optics would be a Good Thing.