Rachel+Baxter-Green+RP+Post+1

1. Presentation of research findings I'm really leaning towards writing the narrative nonfiction because I actually have a story idea that goes along well with my planned research topic, but if that doesn't work out I'm probably going to end up doing the extended definition. I want to write a story because story writing is the type of writing that I do the most, and it's also the type that comes easiest to me. I feel like that approach could help me deal with the existentialism of my topic in a more personal, human manner, rather that the cold dry approach of a regular research paper

2.Pursuit of new knowledge
 * __Is exploration a man-made concept?__
 * __Is a need to explore an innate human feature?__
 * Do aliens not visit us because they think that we're stupid?
 * What is love? (Baby don't hurt me)

3. Background and early knowledge What I know: Humans have been to the moon and back, and we send robots places we cannot yet go, but some people also spend their whole lives in the same town. Birds have the ability to fly around the world, but they stay in the same place until it's time to migrate. No alien civilization has contacted us yet. Early findings: Star Trek says that other species have the need for travel as well.

4. Rationale To be honest, this is really the only thing that I can think of. I want to research this so that I can resolve my existential crisis and not stay awake in bed staring at the ceiling and wondering if humans are the only species that feel the need to leave their homes. The motivation to write this piece is probably fueled from me watching too much Star Trek and Cosmos, I don't know. From what I see, this can go three ways: an answer of yes, which might be the one I search for, an answer of no, which will keep me hopeful for alien contact, or an indefinite answer, which is the most probable. The only problem I really foresee is not being able to incorporate my sources into my story. As for me caring about this topic, I have to care because I seriously have no other ideas.