Plot Summary for

October Sky (1999)

In 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight,

to work in the local coalmine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes

when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes

inspired to learn how to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do

just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's

father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school

understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the

national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to

perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.

Written by Kenneth Chisholm {kchishol@execulink.com}

Based on fact, this is the story of a teenager named Homer Hickam, growing up in a coal

town in West Virginia where a boy's usual destiny was to "end up in the mines." But Homer

had his eye on the sky and a love for flying rockets... to the dismay of his mine-foreman

father, and the consternation of the townsfolk generally. A misfit for sure, he and three of his

equally outcast buddies begin making rockets, which they fly from a patch of barren land

eight miles out of town... so as to no longer terrorize the community with their oft-times errant

rockets. However, the people become intrigued and soon start coming out in droves to watch

the 'Rocketboys' send off their homemade missiles, and with the enthusiastic support of Miss

Riley, their teacher, plus a signed picture from Wernher von Braun in response to a question

Homer had written him, they finally are entered in the National Science Awards competition.

But none of this was all that easy, especially for Homer, as problems much more dire than

flying rockets seemed to push the young man toward maturity, as well as to his eventual

destiny... as an instructor of our shuttle mission astronauts. Written by BOB STEBBINS

{stebinsbob@aol.com}

Homer Hickam is a high school student growing up in a company mining town. There are

few prospects for young men like Homer and most follow their father's footsteps and work in

the coal mines. He's bright however and with the encouragement of his teacher Miss Riley,

hopes to have a better life. This brings him into conflict with his father who feels that working

for the mining company is an honorable profession. When the Soviets launch the Sputnik

however, Home dreams of launching a rocket into space so he and his friends set about

building a small rocket from whatever materials they can scrounge. Homer's father thinks it's

all a waste of time but he perseveres and eventually wins the State Science Fair and

manages to go on to college. He and his father reconcile their differences. Based on a true

story. Written by garykmcd

In October of 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first man-made object to orbit the Earth. It struck fear into the hearts of Americans, who had come to view their World War

II ally as an enemy, and who saw their own efforts ast space flight ending in flaming wrecks on the launchpad..

Homer H. Hickam Jr., the son of a West Virginia coal miner, would watch the night sky hoping to see the satellite pass overhead. He and his friends decided that they could play a role in the space race, and began making and launching their own rockets. Their early attempts were less than successful, and drew the ire of Homer Sr., their school, and local authorities. But one teacher encouraged them, and eventually their efforts were successful.

Hickam went on to be one of the first scientists in NASA

Review: 'October Sky' best offering of a still-young yearWeb posted on: Thursday, February 18, 1999 11:01:10 AM EST

By Reviewer Paul Clinton

(CNN) -- The conflicts and the plots are different, but in its tone and style, "October Sky" is very reminiscent of the 1987 coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me," which just happens to be one of my favorite films.

"October Sky," like "Stand By Me," is about a group of boys who band together to do something they could never have accomplished alone. But the boys of "October" aren't looking for a body. No, here they share an impossible dream and, just like Don Quixote, they are prepared to fight for it.

Set in 1957, "October Sky" is based on Homer Hickam, Jr.'s autobiography "Rocket Boys," in which he recounts his struggles as a young man to escape the small mining town where he was born, an escape that would allow him to literally reach for the stars.

Jake Gyllenhaal, who is currently a freshman at Columbia University, is outstanding as the young Homer Hickam, Jr. Homer, along with every other boy in Coalwood, West Virginia in 1957, is heading for a life as a miner. His brother has found a way out through a college football scholarship, but Homer is too small for sports.

Sputnik changes everything

This is just fine with Homer's father. A lifelong miner, he feels it's a noble profession and one that Homer should embrace. But when the world's first manmade satellite, Sputnik, crosses the October skies above Coalwood, Homer's life changes forever.

Not only does Homer never intend to become a miner, now he's set on a career in space engineering, a field of work that doesn't even exist yet!

Determined to build and launch a rocket of his own, Homer enlists the help of his two best friends: Roy Lee, the "Elvis" of the group, who can charm his way into and out of everything, played by William Lee Scott; and O'Dell, who can scavenger just about anything, portrayed

by Chad Lindberg. The final member of the group is Quentin, played by Chris Owen. He's the school nerd, but he's also a math whiz, and soon becomes vital to the boys' plans.

Laura Dern plays a physics and chemistry teacher, Miss Riley, who encourages Homer and his three friends to fight the odds and build their rockets.

At this point the movie becomes a story about blind determination and the will to succeed. Soon, the whole town becomes captivated by the boy's plan to win the national science fair with one of their rockets. If they can win this million-to-one shot, they could all get scholarships to college and tickets out of Coalwood forever.

The only one not sharing in their dream is the aforementioned Homer, Sr., played brilliantly by Chris Cooper (best known for his roles in "Lonesome Dove" and "Lone Star").

"October Sky" is a sensational character-driven story with a strong narrative and great visual style. Produced by Chuck Gordon, who also produced "Field Of Dreams," this film once again uses similar themes regarding hopes and dreams and the realization that we all have dreams -- they're just not always the same ones.

'Rocketeer' director stretches

Visual effects master-turned-film director Joe Johnston has created his best work with "October Sky." He also helmed the movie "Rocketeer," so he's familiar with things that go boom. But this time, his work has a passion and a depth of feeling that his past efforts have lacked.

At times the film becomes a Norman Rockwell painting come to life and it does get a little too cute for its own good -- the later rocket launches actually have cheerleaders from the local high school shaking their pom-poms for the boys ( this probably did happen in real life) -- plus, there is no doubt this film could have been made by the public relations office at NASA.

But it works.

All four main actors deliver career-making performances. Dern is also wonderful, but it's Cooper as the father who turns in the most remarkable job, playing a man who discovers that the only way to keep his son is to let him go.

This is such a life-affirming and uplifting film it almost makes me believe in the goodness of humanity. It also almost makes me wish I could live back in the 1950s. Then I remember -- Liberace was the number one performer in the country and television only had three channels. Forgetaboutit.

Homer Hickam, Jr., went on to become a NASA engineer. He and the other three "rocket boys" of his youth all participated in making this film.

NASA engineer Homer H. Hickam, Jr.'s autobiography provided the basis for this drama about a teenager coming of age at the dawn of the space race. In 1957, Homer Hickam

DISCUSSION:

Have you ever been inspired to become something? Did you capitalize on it? Is

there a single event that helped set the

course of your life? Go to the boards!

(Jake_Gyllenhaal) is a high school student in Coalwood, West Virginia when the Soviet Union launches Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. While most of his friends and neighbors react with fear or distrust, Homer is instantly fascinated and begins studying everything he can find on jet and rocket design. While many of Homer's friends are puzzled by his new obsession, several new friends share his enthusiasm, and with the encouragement of his teacher (Laura_Dern), Homer and his fellow "Rocket Boys" begin designing and launching their own homemade missiles. However, Homer's father (Chris_Cooper) takes a dim view of his son's interest in rockets and is convinced Homer's future should be the same as his own, working in the local coal mines. October Sky mixes the drama of traditional family conflicts with a nostalgic glimpse of life in the mid-50's and a look at the earliest days of our journey into space. Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

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Discusses the film, October Sky. Can personal dreams be accomplished if other people don't agree?

When expectations of others are limited, personal dreams still can be achieved. The personal dreams one has in the end offers a greater feeling of accomplishment than following expectations of others. October Sky is based on a true story where a small town boy, Homer, is inspired by the Russian satellite Sputnik. He dreams about building rockets. People in his town fail to support Homer, including his dad and older brother. Homer and his three friends struggle to keep their dream when expectations of the town and family differ.

Discouragement will be one of the hardest struggles in achieving ones dream. Expectations of people that vary will create an environment that will make dreams appear unattainable. Homer's dad, John, tries everything possible to discourage Homers dream. John gives a stern talking to Homer for skipping work......

October Sky by Homer Hickam

Summary:   An overview of Homer Hickam's book October Sky. This story of the level of success the Big Creek Missile Agency achieves in conducting its rocket launches show that success never comes without failure.

WOOSH!! The rocket took to the air like a volcano erupting it soared higher and higher until it looked like a mere speck in the sky. Then it became bigger as it sped to the ground like an eagle speeding down towards its prey at full speed. Now that was a successful launch but sometimes the rocket launches in October Sky were less successful as the rockets did a loop and slammed into the ground or just sat on the launch pad and sputtered. Themes of trial and error are continued throughout October Sky as the Big Creek Missile Agency launches rockets into the sky.

The Big Creek Missile Agency's first rocket could be considered a success or failure depending on how you view their accomplishment. In Homer the main character's backyard rocket was constructed of an empty tube of a flashlight with a hole in one side filled with cherry bomb powder. In the small hole a fuse was put to ignite the powder. The rocket was perched up on a fence and then ignited. Homer the leader was the one to light the rocket. After the rocket was light everyone ran back and there was a streak of light that went up into the air and a big cracking noise. A bystander later said, "There was a huge flash in the Hickams' yard and a sound like god himself had clapped his hands."(pg 43) The only problem with the rocket was that it burnt up Homers mothers' fence. In a sense this was a success because the boys at least got something into the air on their first try.

The next time the boys launched a rocket it was made professionally with aluminum and wood. The fuel was a mixture of black powder and postage stamp glue. It was put in the bottom of the rocket with a pencil in the center to create more surface area so the fuel would burn more quickly. The boys lit it off and it launched about six feet off the ground, let out a poof, and fell back on the ground. The next rocket was made out of steel and filled with the same fuel. This rocket had a much more successful flight flying at least twenty feet in the air. The next rocket did the same thing reaching at least thirty feet. However, the last rocket got off the ground turned and rocketed down to the coal mine that Homer's father ran. Homer got in trouble and was told never to launch a rocket again. The first launch was a failure because nothing was gained and the rest were successes because of the record heights reached by the rockets. Although the BCMA learned they should not launch rockets near a coal mine they learned their new technique and fuel will work.

Of course, this would not hold true as the boys launched their fifth rocket made out of steel filled with the same black powder and postage glue solution. This rocket was the first rocket that was launched at the BCMA's new launch site complete with a shed and a launch pad. Some people heard about this and decided to show up for the launch. The boys lit the rocket off and ran back to their newly made shelter just in

time to see their rocket blast off and soar up to fifty feet and came racing back down to where the people had their cars parked narrowly avoiding one. This was a success because the boys had found a place where they could launch their rockets without being bothered and they succeeded in launching their rocket higher than ever. The BCMA also learned that they needed to let their rockets dry for even longer from a bystander at the launch who discovered that the powder on the inside was still wet from the glue.

It would be another two weeks until their next rockets would be ready to fly. The day the two weeks was up the boys strapped on their new guidance system they had devised and headed to their launching field. When at the field the boys launched their next rocket and it went straight up higher than the boys could estimate. This was a success because the boys found out that letting the powder dry for longer did make the rockets go higher. The next rocket the boys launched did a horseshoe turn and slammed back down on the ground. The third rocket the boys launched blew up over the launch pad and threw bits of shrapnel into the launch shed. The second and third launches were failures because they did not break any records or do anything spectacular.

The next time the BCMA launches their rockets they used a new fuel. This new fuel was made by melting saltpeter and sugar together in a pot. At their next launch they launched their rocket and it went straight up into the sky seven hundred and sixty feet into the sky they found out later from their measurements taken and their newly made measurement stick. This rocket launch was a huge success for the rocket boys because it proved that their new fuel worked extremely well. On the next rocket launch the rocket did not go nearly as high as the first launch. The measurement could not be taken because of an accident in which one of the boys knocked the other who was holding their measurement stick. This launch was neither a success nor a failure it did not set any records but it did not go nowhere. They later found out that the nozzle at the bottom of the rocket corroded during flight. For this problem, they needed a new type of metal to use to make the nozzle.

At the next rocket launch the BCMA had a longer rocket and a new type of tube that would hold up longer during the flight. So the next day the boys filled up the rocket and blasted it off into the air it soared an amazing three thousand feet into the air. This success filled the boys with excitement and joy. The next week they were going to experiment with a longer tube.

The day they received their new rocket they filled it up with their special fuel mixture and let it cure. A day later they were at their launch site with the mechanists who built the rocket to see if this rocket would fly any higher. Unfortunately, the rocket only flew half the

distance of the last one. This was a failure because the boys had achieved a much higher flight only a couple days ago.

The next rocket that the boys decided to fly had a nozzle that was modified in such a way that it would gain altitude and keep on gaining it. So at the next launch the rocket zipped into the air only to blow up at about three hundred feet. This was a failure but the boys learned that something had to be wrong with their new design.

The next time the boys went to the range they had recalculated the nozzle measurements and built a new rocket. The boys launched the rocket and it shot up into the air four thousand feet into the air to be exact. This is a new record and a great success the boys needed to keep their hopes up because next time they would be using a new fuel.

Zincoshine was the new fuel they decided to use. It was made out of zinc dust and sulfur mixed together and put in the bottom of the rocket. The first rocket they launched with the new propellant was well anticipated by the town and over a hundred people came to watch. It is a shame that the rocket exploded. The failure brought Homer who had suggested the use of this new fuel to a halt. He was contemplating switching back to the old fuel. Homer thought that there needed to be a binding agent in the mix to keep it together. So the team brainstormed and finally came up with the idea of adding alcohol. Only one problem, alcohol is illegal in all fifty states to anyone under eighteen.

The boys bought the alcohol from a man in town who owns a bar. On the day when they were making their fuel they mixed it in with their mixture to make a paste that they packed into the rocket a little bit at a time. Over two hundred people showed up for this launch. They knew that either way it was going to be a show. It could blow up or rocket into the sky. Luckily, the new fuel worked so well the boys shattered the mile barrier at a whopping five thousand feet (estimate).

A huge crowd of three hundred people showed up to watch as the BCMA launched their next rocket. They were using the same fuel but a different nozzle design calculated by themselves using special equations for rocket propulsion. With a thunderous clap the rocket zoomed up into the air seven thousand fifty six feet high to be exact. This success had the boys thinking that they could build rockets that could go into space one day. The next rocket that the boys launched went at least eight thousand feet high and was another success provided by their new fuel that they thought up.

In this story the BCMA learns many lessons through success and failure that they know that failure is necessary for success. Without failure the world would be boring and uneventful. In the end, Sonny goes on to win the science fair and come back to his town a hero. Success never comes without failure.

Works Cited

Hickam, Homer. October Sky. New York: Dell, 1998.

October Sky

Directed by Joe Johnston

Produced byCharles GordonMarc Sternberg (EXEC),Tina S. Dowling (EXEC)

Written byHomer Hickam (book) and Lewis Colick (screenplay)

StarringJake GyllenhaalChris CooperLaura Dern

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Release date(s)

1999

October Sky is a 1999 film produced by Charles Gordon, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern. It is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.

October Sky" is an anagram of "Rocket Boys", the title of the book on which the movie is based. Homer Hickam stated that in research done by Universal Pictures, women over 30 would not go to see a movie titled "Rocket Boys", so Universal Pictures changed the title to be more inviting to a wider audience. The book was later re-released with the name October Sky in order to capitalize on interest in the movie. The title may also be a reference to the satellite Sputnik. In the movie it is the launch of Sputnik that inspires the boy's interest in rockets. Sputnik was launched October 4, 1957, and was visible for the world to see as it traversed the October sky.

Filming

Set in the state of West Virginia, the film was actually shot at Petros, Oliver Springs, Oak Ridge, Harriman, and Knoxville, Tennessee. The coal mine used in the film was an actual coal mine located in Petros which had long since closed. The steam locomotive (Southern Railway 4501) used in the film was a loan from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

Awards

The film was nominated for 11 awards, of which it won three, including the 2000 Critics Choice Award for Best Family Film. Jake Gyllenhaal was nominated 1999 for the Teen Choice Award for Breakout Performance, and the film itself was nominated for Teen Choice Drama

Note: Although the real-life Homer is Homer H. Hickam, Jr., his father was renamed "John" in the movie, probably to make the dialogue smoother and less confusing to audiences.

E-Cell Events

October Sky

October Sky is a 1999 movie that was based on the book Rocket Boys, an autobiographical book by

Homer Hickam. The book is based on Hickam's real childhood; however screenwriter Lewis Colick

took some creative license in his adaptation of the story for film. The story deals with four teenage

boys struggling to find their place in the world in the late 1950s amidst the overwhelming presence

of the coal mine in their town of Coalwood, West Virginia. Inspired by the launch of the first space

satellite, Sputnik, they begin to experiment with building small rockets. They eventually enter their

rockets in a science competition in an effort to experience life beyond their small town. The boys'

relationships with family and community play a major role in the story, especially Homer's longing

for approval from his father.

This movie was showcased by E-cell SCMHRD on Friday 31st august at the auditorium. The movie

was free for SCMHRD students. With no charges levied to watch the movie and also the movie

being so inspirational, a large audience gathered at the auditorium. Once the film was rolled out,

everyone was in awe of the four boys particularly Homer Hickam.Infact when Homers idea of rocket

finally worked out, there was a mass exhilaration from the audience. To make things a little more

interesting, we had popcorns and cold -drinks served during the interval. With the movie being so

motivational and the popcorns in hand, overall it was a pleasant and a different experience for the

students.

Wernher von Braun

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search

Wernher von Braun

Von Braun standing at his desk at Marshall Space Flight

Center in May 1964, with models of rockets developed and

in progress.

BornMarch 23, 1912

Wirsitz, German Empire

DiedJune 16, 1977 (aged 65)

Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Cause of death pancreatic cancer

Nationality German, American

Occupation Rocket engineer and designer

Spouse(s)Maria Luise von Quistorp (m. 1947–

1977)

Wernher Magnus Maximilian Freiherr[1] von Braun (March 23, 1912 – June 16, 1977) was a German-American rocket physicist, astronautics engineer and space architect, becoming one of the leading figures in the development of rocket technology in Germany and the United States. Wernher von Braun was said to be the preeminent rocket engineer of the 20th century.[2]

In his 20s and early 30s, von Braun was the central figure in Germany's pre-war rocket development programme, responsible for the design and realization of the deadly V-2 combat

rocket during World War II. After the war, he and some of his rocket team were taken to the United States as part of the then-secret Operation Paperclip. In 1955, ten years after entering the country, von Braun became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Von Braun worked on the American intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) program before joining NASA, where he served as director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the chief architect of the Saturn V launch vehicle, the superbooster that propelled the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon.[3] In the words of NASA, he is "without doubt, the greatest rocket scientist in history. His crowning achievement ... was to lead the development of the Saturn V booster rocket that helped land the first men on the Moon in July 1969."[4] He received the 1975 National Medal of Science.

"Dare To Dream"Each year I direct a leadership camp called "Dare To Dream" for about 250 students (grades 1-8). The purpose of the camp is prepare the students to "aim high" and be leaders in their schools. This will be our fourth camp and each year I use a movie as the core of my camp. Past movies include; Hoosiers, Apollo 13, Places in the Heart and Rudy. Our themes have varied with each movie. For example when we used the movie Places in the Heart, our theme was "Breaking Down Barriers".

This year we will be using the movie, October Sky and our theme is "Shoot For The Stars". My staff for the camp is made up of outstanding high school students. Each counselor has a group of 8 and they watch a 10-15 minute segment of the movie. Then they break down in groups and discuss a specific leadership topic that I have pulled from that segment. The topics I have pulled out of October Sky are: "Open Your Eyes and Dream", "Setting A Goal", "Moving Toward The Goal", "Encouraging Others To Reach Their Dreams", "Overcoming Obstacles", "The Fun of Teamwork", "The Power of Encouragement", "Dealing With Family Struggles", "Sacrificing For Those You Love", "The Life Changing Impact of a Teacher", and "Changing The World With Your Dream".

Description: Inspired by the launch of Sputnik (October, 1957), a high school student in a coal town in West Virginia decides to make his own rockets. Despite his father's initial opposition, Homer and his "outsider" friends persist and succeed. They have the support of their science teacher and Homer's mother, who is determined that her son will not end up as a miner. Against all odds, the boys win the national science fair with an entry describing their rockets. All of the boys go to college, something unusual in coal country at the time. Homer becomes an engineer with NASA.

"October Sky" is a charming tale and the boys' success is inspiring. The movie is taken from an autobiographical novel by Homer H. Hickam originally entitled Rocket Boys. The book has been republished under the same name as the film.

October 4, 1957 -- Sputnik destroyed U.S. complacency

QUICK DISCUSSION QUESTION: Homer's father eventually came around and permitted company machinists to make the nozzles needed by the Rocket Boys. Homer agreed that he and the Rocket Boys could not have succeeded without this help. Does this detract from their achievement? What does it tell you about what is necessary to succeed in today's complex environment?

Suggested Response: It doesn't detract from their triumph but tells us that in today's complex society no one person or group can accomplish much alone. We need cooperation and assistance from others.

Benefits of the Movie: This film can be used to illustrate an important event in American history, the launch by Soviet Russia of the first space satellite. It can spark or enhance an interest in space science, engineering, or math. It can inspire children to work hard to fulfill their dreams. "October Sky" demonstrates the rewards of working toward a goal against daunting odds. The movie shows the positive influence teachers can have on their students, a mother's support for her child's dreams, the love of a son for his father and his need for his father's approval, as well as the value of people who are different from most of us. The fact that the film is based on a true story adds emphasis to these lessons.

Possible Problems: MINOR. The movie contains mild profanity used in stressful situations. The film alters the true story in a number of ways. See discussion below.

Parenting Points: Make sure your child understands that in almost every respect this is a true story. Review the points made in Before Watching the Movie. When the movie is over, review with your child what is true and what isn't true. See After Watching the Movie. When your child is ready to read the book, get it for him or her from the library. It's better than the movie.

he movie teaches important lessons in social-emotional learning. It shows that a child with a dream can go far beyond family expectations. This concept is stressed in the film and parents can reinforce it by commenting on the theme or by giving examples of people known to the child who have done something with their lives that was much different than what was expected of them. Also stressed in the movie is the concept that children can prevail over daunting odds. A parental comment about how great it was that these kids didn't give up will help stress this idea. In addition, the movie tells us that most often excellence is the result of a community effort or at least comes with the help of many people, as it did in this case. Parents can explore this issue by asking and helping their child to answer the Quick Discussion Question. See also the Social-Emotional Learning Discussion Questions and the Moral-Ethical Emphasis Discussion Questions.

Featured Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen.

Director: Joe Johnston.

Before Watching the Movie:

The following will greatly enhance a child's understanding and appreciation of this movie:

From 1946 to 1991, the U.S. was locked in a Cold War with Russian Communism. The Soviets claimed that Communism was the wave of the future and that it would bury capitalism, democracy, and the United States. Russia and Communism were a serious threat to the U.S. and the Western democracies.

In the 1950s, the United States believed that its technology was the best in the world. We had more cars than any country in the world. We had the best televisions, refrigerators, record players and a host of other consumer goods. At that time U.S. factories were building these products. Japan was still recovering from WW II and China was still undeveloped. We had been first with the atomic bomb and first with the hydrogen bomb. Our airplanes and jet fighters were the best in the world. We thought that our military equipment was better than the Russians'. Americans took comfort in the belief that we had the best scientists and engineers that ever lived.

The belief in American technical superiority changed in 1958. Sputnik was the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth. It was sent up, not by the Americans, but by the Russians. Americans looked up to see a Communist star traversing the heavens and realized that in the important arena of space, our technology was inferior to that of the Russians. People worried about what would happen if the Russians put an atomic bomb on one of their satellites. This insecurity deepened as the first several U.S. efforts to orbit a satellite failed miserably. Rockets exploded on the launch pads or they crashed soon after lift-off. All of this occurred live on world-wide television. It was more than embarrassing. It was frightening.

For years, the Soviets led the space race, hoisting larger payloads into space than the U.S., including the first animal in space and the first man in space. All of this occurred during one of the most distrustful and competitive periods of the Cold War. The launch of Sputnik shook the United States to its roots.

"October Sky" shows one boy's reaction to this event. The story told by this movie is pretty much true.

The movie takes place in a coal town in West Virginia. Coal towns existed for the sole purpose of mining coal. Everything in the town was owned by the coal company: the stores, the church, the schools and the houses in which the miners lived. If a miner was incapacitated and could no longer work, his family was forced to move out of their company owned house, which meant leaving town. Often, when the father was injured, the children had to work in the mines to pay the rent and remain eligible to live in company owned housing. If a miner died in the mines, his family had a very short time (usually two weeks) to move. The coal company didn't want the grim reminders of the dangers of the mine to be around too long. Coalwood, where Homer lived, was one of the better company towns, but it was still subject to harsh practices by the mine owners.

In a mine, coal dust pollutes the air and literally covers everything. A common ailment among miners is black lung disease (pneumoconiosis) caused by inhaling coal dust. Homer's father was suffering from this disease. The mine owners refused to compensate miners for this occupational hazard, so the Federal Government stepped in and set up a health and worker's compensation plan for the miners.

After Watching the Movie:

It was very unusual for any boys from Homer's home town to go to college, other than on a sports scholarship. However, each of the Rocket Boys graduated from college and Homer Hickam fulfilled his dream by becoming an engineer for NASA.

The U.S. eventually pulled equal to the Russians in the space race and was victorious in the Cold War. Russia abandoned Communism in 1991 and has adopted a capitalist model. It is no longer a super power that competes with the U.S. Space exploration is now a cooperative international effort. The Russians are making money by charging very rich people (often Americans) millions of dollars for a trip into space in a Russian space capsule.

December 6, 1957: Two seconds after launch

Vanguard was four feet off the pad. Thrust

ceased, it crumpled and then exploded.

Homer Hickam's book, The Rocket Boys, is better than the movie and contains a number of wonderful vignettes that are not in the film. For example, as the boys built more complex rockets, Homer realized that they needed to learn calculus to take the next steps in rocket design. Homer and the science teacher convinced the principal of the high school to offer a new course in calculus. The enrollment was limited to six people, the exact number of boys involved in the effort to make the rockets. No one expected anyone else at the school to sign up for the class.

However, the girl that Homer had a crush on signed up too, and since Homer's grades in math were the worst of any of the applicants, he was excluded from the class. The principal at this point was not sure that the Rocket Boys were really up to any good and called them "bombers," a reference to their first effort which had blown up Homer's mother's fence. The principal would not increase the enrollment in the class by one person to allow Homer to take it. Initially, Homer felt that his dreams of a career in rocketry were over, but in the depths of his depression, he found a calculus text on the bookshelf at home. There were notes in the book in his father's handwriting showing that his father, who had never gone to college but who was called upon to supervise engineers, had taught himself calculus. Homer began to study the text and the other members of the club helped him. Homer learned calculus without the class, to his own amazement and that of his teachers and the principal.

The film does not present a sympathetic view of the United Mine Workers of America (UMW) local in Coalwood. This is a departure from the book. While Homer's father was the manager of the mine and a company man through and through, and while he believed that the reasons for the strike were trivial, it is not clear that he was right. Moreover, the Union men supported the Rocket Boys long before Homer's father did and they were instrumental in facing down the company when it wanted to shut down the boys' test firing range (it was on a massive expanse of tailings from the mine). Overall, the UMW has made an important positive contribution to U.S. history, forcing the coal operators to make the mines safer and to pay a living wage. For a film that shows some of the difficulties the miners had in organizing their union and gaining recognition from the mine owners, see Matewan.

Also in the book, and not in the film, is a clear explanation of how the Rocket Boys got the precision nozzles necessary to fly their rockets. After Homer's father had sent Mr. Bikovsky (the first machinist to help the Rocket Boys) into the mine as punishment, the town coalesced behind them. Homer then convinced the supervisor of another mine machine shop to make the nozzles and Homer's father permitted company time and company materials to be used. A fundamental truth illuminated by this story is that to perform amazing feats, not only do people need to be committed and work hard, they often need the support of their communities. Moreover, they need to seek out and get that help. This is especially true in today's complex environment.

The sequence in which Homer quits high school and goes to work in the mine is fictional but rings true from a former time when the mine owners provided no benefits for the miners or their families. (The real Homer Hickam did work in the mine during the summer after his first year of college, but he was not forced to take the job.) Homer Hickam had this to say about the movie and about this incident:

It was great fun to see Rocket Boys become the movie "October Sky." Of course, I thought they should have just filmed it exactly the way I wrote it down in my book but Hollywood has its ways, and they're not generally the same as book-writers. But only good things have come of it, I'd have to say, even though I didn't like that the movie showed me quitting [high] school. I would have never quit school. My parents would have lived in a tree before they would have ever let that happen! But so many people across the world have been inspired by the movie. A lot of astronauts even watch it the night before they climb aboard the shuttle. Now, that's pretty special! [Quoted from Bookwire Speaks with Homer Hickam.]

The black machinist tells Homer that he flew with the "Red Tails." This is a reference to the "Red Tailed Angels" of the all African-American 332nd Fighter Group. In the Second World War, the 332nd was the only Fighter Group which never lost a bomber to enemy planes, thereby destroying the prejudice that blacks could not fly modern fighters. See Learning Guide to "The Tuskegee Airmen".

There are two principal methods of mining coal. Strip mining coal close to the surface is the most economical, but also the most environmentally destructive. Power equipment (power shovels or drag lines) removes the earth and rock to expose the coal. The coal is then broken up and loaded onto trucks or railroad cars.

When the coal is not located close to the surface, a method called underground or deep mining is used. A shaft is dug to the location of the coal seam, either vertically, on a slant or, if the coal is located in a mountain, horizontally. The coal is cut, using machines or controlled explosions. The key to deep mining is controlling cave-ins, dispersing gas, particularly methane and carbon dioxide, and suppressing coal dust. Pillars of coal are left to help support the roof. Steel beams are placed across the roof to prevent the rock from falling onto the miners. In some mines the roof behind the coal face is allowed to collapse as the face moves forward along the seam. Huge fans and complicated ventilation systems are used to draw out the gases and bring in clean air. Coal dust is highly

combustible and must be strictly controlled. Limestone dust is sprayed in the mine to keep the coal dust in check. The work in the deep mines is automated as much as possible. Continuous mining machines combine the separate steps of cutting, drilling, blasting and loading the coal at rates as high as 10.8 metric tons of coal per minute. The coal is then transferred by electric trolley to the surface where it is taken to preparation plants. There it is screened, washed, sorted by size, and crushed before shipment.

For more about Wernher Von Braun, see Learning Guide to "The Right Stuff". For a telling parody of Von Braun and others, see Learning Guide to "Dr. Strangelove". For a description of how the original seven U.S. astronauts had to fight NASA and its engineers to get manual controls in the U.S. manned space ships (controls that later saved their lives on several occasions), see Learning Guide to "The Right Stuff".

Discussion Questions:

1. See Questions Suitable for Any Film.

2. Should the people in the early U.S. space program have been deterred by their many failures to launch rockets? Suggested Response: Daniel S. Goldin, former administrator of NASA, said that one should never be deterred by failure but that if you learned from your failures they would be the building blocks for later success. Commencement address to the 2001 graduating class of the Engineering School, University of California, Berkeley.

3. According to the movie, what would have happened to Homer's family if no one had been working in the mine even though his father was still recuperating from injuries he had received saving miners' lives? Suggested Response: If no one in the family was working in the mine, the family would have been evicted from its home by the coal company. This was true even if the miner was still recuperating from injuries received in a mine accident. (We don't know if the mine owners applied the same standard to management employees like Homer's father. But it did apply to the miners, the vast majority of the company's employees.) If a miner died or was too injured to work, the mine owners would evict the family. This meant forcing them to move out of town, since the mine company owned everything in the town. The family would generally have to move within a few weeks of the injury or the death of the miner. The company didn't want any grim reminders to stay around and spook the other miners.

4. What did the Rocket Boys prove by their success?

5. How big is the coal industry today? To what extent does the United States still rely on coal for power and for coke for the steel mills? Are there still coal towns?

Social-Emotional Learning Discussion Questions:

PARENTING - MOTHER/SON - FATHER/SON

1. Why did Homer's father want him to work in the mine? Was his father being a good parent in wanting Homer to follow in his footsteps?

2. Describe how Homer's father felt about his youngest son at each of the following points: the beginning of the film; when Homer first started experimenting with rockets; after Homer had gone to work in the mine; when Homer quit the mine; and at the end of the film.

3. Everyone in Homer's family wanted to get out of Coalwood except his father. (Remember the mural the mother was painting throughout the film.) How did each member of the family deal with this desire? Suggested Response: The mother submitted. The brother excelled in an approved and accepted way to get out (football). Homer went his own way.

4. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of Homer's father as a parent.

5. Would you call Homer's actions in building rockets a rebellion against his father?

6. Describe the relationship between Homer and his father and how that relationship changed over time.

7. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of Homer's mother as a parent and as a wife.

8. Why was Homer's mother so determined that her sons should leave Coalwood?

BREAKING OUT

9. What does this film show about the difficulties of breaking out of the paths that your family and community expect you to follow?

10. In this instance, what was the role of the community in Homer's efforts to break out?

FRIENDSHIP

11. What was the strongest act of friendship shown in this film?

Discussion Questions on Morality and Ethics

Using The Six Pillars of Character

Discussion Questions Relating to Ethical Issues will facilitate the use of this film to teach ethical principles and critical viewing. Additional questions are set out below.

RESPONSIBILITY

(Do what you are supposed to do; Persevere: keep on trying!; Always do your best; Use self-control; Be self-disciplined; Think before you act -- consider the consequences; Be accountable for your choices)

1. What is the meaning of the word "persevere" and how does that meaning relate to this movie? Suggested Response: To persevere means to continue on a course of action despite difficulties and lack of success. In this movie, the Rocket Boys kept on trying to perfect their rockets despite their initial lack of success. The theme of perseverance also relates to the U.S. space program which, despite its failures at the beginning, eventually triumphed over the Russians in most areas of space

exploration. See also the quote from Daniel Goldin, former NASA administrator, in suggested response to Discussion Question #2.

2. Put yourself in the position of Homer in this story. Your father is badly injured and cannot work. Someone must work in the mine if the family is to avoid eviction from company housing and being forced to move out of the town. Your brother is on track to escape to college on a football scholarship, but he must finish school. He will never have another chance to go to college. If you went to work in the mine you would probably do well and rise to a position in management, just like your father. Did Homer do the right thing by dropping out of high school, giving up his dream to be an engineer for NASA, and going to work in the mine? Suggested Response: This question tests the limits of responsibility and caring. Homer and his brother did have some responsibility to help the family keep a home. This didn't require one of them to work only in the mine, but they did have to shoulder the burden or at least part of the burden their father could no longer carry. Homer, because he cared for his brother, didn't want him to miss the chance to go to college on an athletic scholarship. There is also a sense that Homer knew that, while going into the mine was risky, his father had made a good career there. Homer would probably also rise to a manager's position. Given these facts, what Homer did was the most ethical thing to do based upon his responsibility to his family and his love for his brother. There are three other interesting points about this subplot. First, there are limits to what a child can be asked to do for the family. If going into the mine had been a complete dead-end for Homer, the answer to this question would be different. See, e.g., The Glass Menagerie. Second, the real Homer Hickam worked in the mine only for a summer during college. This subplot is one of the few parts of the movie that didn't really happen and he disliked it. He commented, referring to the situation in which the Homer Hickam character in the movie dropped out of high school: "My parents would have lived in a tree before they would have ever let that happen!" This fact illustrates that there are many situations in which both parents and children have a responsibility. Third, compare the scene in which Homer must put his dreams aside and work in the mine to It's A Wonderful Life, in which the leading character gave up his dreams of a career as an architect in New York so that his brother could attend college and yet he lived a "wonderful life".

3. Did Homer's older brother do the right thing to let Homer work in the coal mines so that he could continue on to college? Suggested Response: Yes. There is no responsibility not to accept the gifts or moral conduct of others. However, Homer's brother did owe Homer a great debt.

CARING

(Be kind; Be compassionate and show you care; Express gratitude; Forgive others; Help people in need)

4. Name the characters in this film who honored the concept of "caring" and describe what they did that leads you to that conclusion. Suggested Response: The mother, because she always wanted what was best for her sons. The teacher who encouraged the Rocket Boys. The Rocket Boys, who unanimously chose Homer to go to the science fair. The Union members, including the machinists, and the people in Coalwood who encouraged and helped the Rocket Boys. Homer's father, who finally came round. (See question below for more on Homer's father.)

5. Who, in this film, had the most trouble practicing the concept of caring? What were the reasons? How did he or she resolve it? Suggested Response: Our vote goes to Homer's father. At the beginning, he wanted Homer to work in the mine and eventually become a manager, like he was. He saw a lot of himself in Homer which is probably why he was so strict with the boy. When Homer started to branch out onto his own path, the father felt rejected and insecure. These are not appropriate feelings for a parent. Parents should recognize that children are not born to adopt their parents' values wholesale, or to follow in their footsteps. Children must be allowed and encouraged to find the life that is right for them. That is the true gift of a caring parent. Eventually, Homer's father endorsed the Rocket Boys' efforts. In so doing, he recognized and fulfilled the love he had for his son. Homer's father was forced to choose between his dream that Homer would work with him in the mine and what was best for his son. After some delay, he made the right choice.

Teachwithmovies.com is a Character Counts "Six Pillars Partner" and uses The Six Pillars of Character to organize ethical principles.

Character Counts and the Six Pillars of Character are marks of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, a project of the Josephson Institute of Ethics.

Bridges to Reading: The book October Sky (original title: Rocket Boys) is excellent for advanced adolescent readers. It contains significant additional details concerning Mr. Hickam's experience and life in the U.S. in the 1950s. See the author's Suggested Reading Group Discussion Ideas. Rocket Boys is part of a trilogy. The other volumes are The Coalwood Way, which focuses on the Rocket Boys' last Christmas together in 1959, and Sky of Stone, which describes the summer of 1961 when Homer worked in the mine after his freshman year in college.