1. Our Galaxy appears to be long overdue for the occurrence of another Supernova. Find some information on Supernova rates for galaxies like ours and report those results. When was the last Supernova to occur in our galaxy? Based on the supernova rate, do you think that our Galaxy has been deficient in the production of supernova over the last few hundred years?

2. Critically discuss the two leading theories for the origin of water on the Earth in terms of their overall credibility as the best explanation and cite any deficincies in these ideas.

3. A dramatic new view of the geologic history of the Earth has arisen in the last few years. This view is quite controversial and is known as "Snowball Earth." Summarize what this theory is and what is some of the evidence for and against this hypothesis.

4. Summarize the reasons why there is an astrobiological expectation for primitive life on Europa, a moon of Jupiter.

5. The "RNA World" is an alternative hypothesis to the orgin of life. Do some research and determine how deep sea hydrothermal vents provide support to the RNA World Theory.