October Sky
Subjects --- Space Exploration; U.S./1945-1991 &West Virginia; ScienceTechnology;
Character Development --- Parenting;
Father/Son; Mother/Son;
Breaking Out; Friendship;
Ethical Emphasis --- Trustworthiness; Caring.
SELECTING THE MOVIE
Quick Discussion Question
Age: 10+; Rated PG; Autobiography; 1999; 108 minutes; Color.
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 opposition,
Homer and his "outsider" friends persist and succeed. They have the support of their science
teacher and of 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 goes on to
become a scientist with NASA.
"October Sky" is a charming tale and the boys' success is inspiring. The movie is taken from
an autobiography (with certain modifications for purposes of clarification) originally entitled
Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam. The book has been republished under the same name as
the film.
October 4, 1957 -- Sputnik destroyed U.S. complacency
Benefits: This film can be used to spark or enhance an interest in space science,
engineering, and math. It will 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 of 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. 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.
Selected Awards: None at this time.
Featured Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen.
Director: Joe Johnston.
USING THE MOVIE
Helpful Background:
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Before Sputnik, the United States had assumed that it had the best technology in the
world. It had been first with the atomic bomb, first with the hydrogen bomb, and its
military technology

December 6, 1957: Two seconds after launch
Vanguard was four feet off the pad. Thrust
ceased, it crumpled and then exploded.
was thought to be superior to that of the
Russians. Sputnik destroyed this feeling
of superiority. Americans looked up to
see the little star traversing the heavens
and felt very insecure. This insecurity
deepened as the first several U.S.
efforts to orbit a satellite failed. 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.
Occurring 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.
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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".

The mining towns of West Virginia 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.

The film does not present a sympathetic view of the United Mine Workers of America
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, the truth of the matter was not so clear.
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.

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, the second 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
coming down onto the heads of 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.

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 failed to compensate
miners for this occupational hazard. The Federal Government has stepped in and set
up a health and worker's compensation plan for the miners.
Explorer 1
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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".

The book 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.
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. This event rings true from a former time, however, because if a man was
injured or died, the mine owners provided no benefits for the miner and his family. (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.) Mr. 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.]
At Last! Explorer I, first U.S. satellite successfully launched
January 31, 1958
Building Vocabulary: coal town, coal face, black lung disease.
Discussion Questions:
1. [Standard Questions Suitable for Any Film].
2. Homer's father eventually came round 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 triumph? What does
it tell you about what is necessary to succeed in today's complex environment?
3. What did the Rocket Boys prove by their success?
4. 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?
Character Development
Parenting -- Father/Son -- Mother/Son
5. 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?
6. 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 Home quit the mine; and at the end of
the film.
7. 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? [The mother submitted. The brother
excelled in an approved and accepted way to get out. Homer went his own way.]
8. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of Homer's father as a parent.
9. Would you call Homer's actions in building rockets a "rebellion?"
10. Describe the relationship between Homer and his father and how that relationship
changed over time.
11. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of Homer's mother as a parent and as a wife.
12. Why was Homer's mother so determined that her sons should leave Coalwood?
Breaking Out
13. What does this film show about the difficulties of breaking out of the paths that your
family and community expect you to follow?
14. In this instance, what was the role of the community in Homer's efforts to break out?
Friendship
15. What was the strongest act of friendship shown in this film?
Ethical Emphasis
(Teachwithmovies.com is associated with Character Counts and uses The Six Pillars of Character to
organize ethical principles.)
The Discussion Questions Relating to Ethical Issues are designed to maximize the use
of this film to teach ethical principles and critical viewing. Additional questions are set
out below:
Trustworthiness (Be loyal — stand by your family and friends)
16. Why did Homer volunteer to work in the mine when his father was ill? What would have
happened to the 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?
17. If maintaining your family and allowing your brother or sister to fulfill their dreams
depended upon you taking an unpleasant and menial job and giving up your own
dreams, would you do it? The character of Homer in the film did it. Can you explain the
reasons why? [Teachers and parents interested in this question might refer children to
It's A Wonderful Life.]
18. Did Homer's older brother do the right thing to let him?
Caring (Be kind; Be compassionate and show you care; take the welfare of others to heart and make it
your own goal)
19. Name the characters in this film who honored the concept of "caring" and describe
what they did that leads you to that conclusion.
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. Click here for 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. [Purchase these books at Amazon.com.]
Movies on Related Topics: The Right Stuff, Apollo 13, Dr. Strangelove and Matewan.
[Purchase these films at Amazon.com.]
Links to the Internet: See the author's excellent web site at HomerHickam.com/. Highlights
include Meet the Rocket Boys ... then and now; Questions and Answers; Great Space
Resources, For Everyone!; Interviews with Mr. Hickam.
Try these great web sites from NASA: NASA for Kids; NASA for Students; NASA for
Educators; and NASA Home Page.
Other Links:
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
Sputnik and the Launch of the Space Age;
The Times Looks Back: Sputnik (This is a gateway to a series of articles about Sputnik

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

and its effect on the U.S.);
On-Line News Hour - The Space Race Revisited;
Sputnik's Legacy;
Vanguard - A History;
Vanguard 1 Exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum.
Projects: See Projects Suitable for Any Film;
Other Lesson Plans
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search for a lesson plan through the Gateway to Educational Materials;
Teacher's Guide to Homer Hickam's book Rocket Boys/October Sky (on Mr. Hickam's
web site);
Dr. Z.'s Education Website;
lesson plan from the National Archives based on a memorandum of a conference with
President Eisenhower after Sputnik;
lesson plan from the distributor of the film;
list of many lesson plans in Astronomy/Space from Sylvan Learning Centers;
a teacher's guide from Random House Books.
OCTOBER SKY The Movie
BASED ON THE EXTRAORDINARY TRUE STORY of Homer Hickam and the Rocket Boys of
Coalwood, West Virginia in the New York Times #1 Bestseller autobiography Rocket Boys: a Memoir by
Homer Hickam Jr. (the hardcover is called Rocket Boys, paperback October Sky like the movie) The movie
name October Sky is an anagram of Rocket Boys, that is, if you move the letters of rocket boys around, you
get october sky!! Try it!
More about this on Homer's website www.homerhickam.com
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Teacher's Guide
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Dear Educator,
Youth Media International, in cooperation with Universal Pictures, is pleased to provide a study guide to
October Sky, an inspiring film which opened in theaters on February 19, 1999. October Sky is based on the
triumphant true story of Homer Hickam Jr., a high school student in rural West Virginia, who seemed
destined to repeat his father's harsh life in the coal mines until he turned his attention to the skies. At odds
with his father, determined to better himself and inspired by the dawn of the space age, he embarks on a
quixotic mission that changes his life forever. The film, brought to the screen by the producer of Field of
Dreams, is directed by Joe Johnston and stars Laura Dern as an inspirational teacher and Jake Gyllenhaal, who
played Billy Crystal's son in City Slickers, as young Homer Hickam Jr. Based on Rocket Boys, an
autobiography by NASA science engineer Homer Hickam Jr., October Sky takes place in 1957, soon after the
Soviets launched Sputnik and leaped ahead of the United States in the space race. Homer is caught up in the
magic of space flight, but the realities of life in a poor, bleak mining town compete with his dreams of escape
into the world of scientific inquiry. But even though he is told, rocket scientists don't come from mining
towns, his own determination, along with the inspiration and support of others, enables him to make his
dreams come true. This study guide will introduce junior and senior high school students to some of the
political and social issues of America in the fifties.With sensitivity and honesty, it focuses on such universal
teenage dilemmas as gaining family and peer approval, having to choose between conflicting goals, and
finding one¹s place in the world. At the same time, it leads students on a fascinating journey into the wonders
of jet propulsion and rocket science. It is available on video/DVD everywhere. We hope you will share this kit
with your colleagues. Although the material is copyrighted, you may make as many photocopies as you need.
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely, Roberta Nusim Publisher
Introduction
Homer Hickam Jr. was a young boy from a West Virginia mining town who hungered for his father's
approval. He knew he could earn it by following in his father¹s footsteps and spending his life down in the
mines. But Homer had a dream; to go to college and to devote his life to rocket technology. October Sky is
based on the true story of the pivotal events that led the teenage Hickam to move closer to his twin goals of
reaching for the sky and gaining his father's respect.
The film, adapted from Hickam¹s autobiography Rocket Boys, combines a sensitive handling of universal
coming-of-age themes with an emphasis on the challenge and excitement of scientific inquiry. It also gives
students an opportunity to explore an era other than their own as they are introduced to the momentous events
that took place in the fifties.
Program Components
1. This teacher's guide.
2. Three reproducible student activity masters.
3. A response card for comments.
Program Objectives
1. To explore concepts and themes from the film October Sky that relate to the complex process of coming of
age.
2. To enhance students' understanding of historical periods other than their own.
3. To encourage scientific inquiry and promote interest in the history of space technology.
4. To strengthen research and oral presentation skills and offer essay- and creative-writing opportunities.
Target Audience
This program has been designed for junior and senior high school students in science, English and social
studies classes.
Synopsis
October Sky is based on the triumphant true story of Homer Hickam Jr., a high school student in rural West
Virginia in 1957, who seemed destined to repeat his father¹s harsh life in the coal mines until he turned his
attention to the skies. At odds with his father, determined to better himself, and inspired by the dawn of the
space age, he embarks on a quixotic mission that changes his life forever. With the help of his friends, Homer
wins first prize in a national science fair and learns he can do anything he sets his mind to. In his quest,
Homer also is aided by a supportive teacher and inspired by Werner von Braun, whom he finally meets.
Through his determination to reach his goal, he eventually gains the respect of the whole community and,
finally, of his father.
The film's cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal (A Dangerous Woman, Josh and S.A.M., City Slickers) as Homer,
Chris Cooper (Lone Star, Great Expectations), Laura Dern (Rambling Rose, Jurassic Park), Natalie Canerday
(Sling Blade), Chris Owen (The Party, Major Payne), William Lee Scott (The Opposite of Sex, Gattaca), and
Chad Lindberg (City of Angels, Velocity of Gary). October Sky is directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer,
Jumanji) and produced by Charles Gordon (Field of Dreams) and Larry Franco (Batman Returns).
Lewis Colick based his screenplay on the New York Times #1 Bestseller autobiography Rocket Boys: a
Memoir by Homer Hickam Jr.
Another Time, Another Place
Activity One gives students an opportunity to learn about life in a time and place different from that of their
own. In Part A they can explore a world that has been characterized as more "innocent" than the present.
Encouraging them to compare song lyrics or favorite TV programs and/or films of the two eras will help them
to recognize important differences between the fifties and now. Such a comparison can lead to an interesting
discussion of whether one period is "better" than another. Where would they rather be? This segment also
offers an opportunity to learn about some significant events in our nation¹s history. In addition to finding out
about the Cold War between the U.S. and Russia, students can explore such major events and influences as
the Korean War, the McCarthy hearings, the civil rights movement and the culture of the Beat Generation.
Part B focuses on the world of space exploration and lets students research its significant figures and events,
both past and present. Encourage students to surf the Web for help in constructing their timeline. A Web page
entitled "Space Technology in Wars" will give them all the information they need:
(www.peddie.k12.nj.us/local/weblocal/history/giese/before.htm).
Part C is designed to be used if students have seen the film. This activity helps them learn about the once-vital
coal mining industry and the effects it had on both the environment and the people who worked the mines.
Additional Activities
Have students choose specific topics or personalities covered in The Fifties by David Halberstam and report
their findings to the class. Encourage a group of students to create their own classroom quiz and challenge one
another to answer questions about significant events and individuals in the early days of rocketry.
COMING OF AGE
Activity Two focuses on the importance of character development and explores issues that are vital to
teenagers: individual versus group identity, getting along with one¹s family, and the need for approval. It
helps students think about the qualities necessary for leadership and the importance of working constructively
with others.
Part A reminds students that reading fiction and non-fiction enables them to identify with and learn more
about other young people; those like themselves as well as those who may seem different on the surface; and
encourages them to think about how other people have handled peer-pressure issues.
Part B helps students recognize the confidence that Homer has in his own ability to succeed. When he studies
advanced science and math on his own to reach his goal, he demonstrates tenacity; when he temporarily
leaves school to work in the mines, he shows us that he loves and feels responsible for family members. If
students have read the book Rocket Boys/October Sky or seen the movie can create Homer's graduation
speech, showing that Miss Riley, Homer¹s father and Werner von Braun were significant influences on
Homer, but each in a different way.
Part C encourages students to identify leaders in the world of science and role models in their own lives. It
gives them the opportunity to explore with their classmates whether certain qualities generate universal
admiration.
Additional Activities
Have students read Hickam¹s autobiography Rocket Boys, on which the film is based. Then have them
compare book and film with emphasis on how a particular scene was handled through script,
photography, lighting and acting.
Suggest students interview school or community leaders they admire to discover whether and how these
individuals were influenced by their own role models. Students can write up their interviews and turn them
into a collection of leadership profiles.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE?
Each generation has its own heroes.
Activity Three offers students the opportunity to compare notes with older family members on the differences
and similarities between the heroes of their generation and those of today. In addition, students can share with
older family members their hopes and fears about growing up and finding a place in the world. The activity
encourages students to see that each generation faces similar problems in the process of maturing, although
different times might produce different approaches to dealing with these dilemmas.
Additional Activities
Have students create a scenario in which a parent and child are in conflict over an important decision (for
example, perhaps the student wants to become a musician because it appears to be a lucrative and "cool" way
to make a living, while the parent's hopes rest on the student going to college and pursuing a "serious" career).
Then have students act out the scenario and discuss the validity of each side.
Have students survey their classmates and the adults in their families and community as to the qualities they
most admire in individuals. Then have them compare the lists and note the similarities and differences
between generations.
Assign a student to write and perhaps illustrate a story suitable for small children in which the central
character must make a pivotal decision.
Ask students to research and report to their classmates on the latitude various cultures permit young people in
making pivotal decisions about life choices.
To further students' education about science, Star Station One and Challenger Learning Centers offer
additional resources. Star Station One is an educational outreach program presented by participating museums
in your area. It keeps you in touch with the exciting story of the construction of the International Space
Station as it unfolds over the next few years to become "A new Star on the Horizon." The program follows the
ISS assembly sequence as it promotes traditional educational concepts using the backdrop of human space
flight and adventures of the actual astronaut crew members involved. To "be there" and "be connected", visit
the Mission Control museum in your area to participate in a Star Station One experience. You may obtain
their locations and phone number by visiting the Star Station One Web site at
www.bishopmuseum.org/starstation.
Go into "orbit" with Challenger Center! Discover comets, repair satellites, colonize Mars and more! Hundreds
of thousands of students fly simulated space missions at Challenger Learning Centers across North America
each year, and thousands more participate in classroom-based education programs. Challenger Center is a notfor-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring young people and their teachers to explore science,
math and technology. Visit our Web site at www.challenger.org to learn more about Challenger Center and
our educational activities.
Another Time, Another Place
The film October Sky is a true story based on Rocket Boys, the autobiography of Homer Hickam Jr., a former
NASA engineer at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The story takes place in the
1950s in a small West Virginia mining town;a place where every son was expected to repeat his father's harsh
life in the coal mines. As a high school student, Homer was excited by the space program. But when he
dreamt of moving beyond the grim and narrow world of the mines, he was told in no uncertain terms, "Rocket
scientists don¹t come from mining towns." Not discouraged, Homer persisted by battling the odds and
entering his rocket into the national science fair, knowing that winning would be his ticket to a college
scholarship and a job in the space program.
PART A The film begins in 1957, when the space race became an important national focus. What do you
know about life in the fifties? In the space below, fill out the chart comparing popular entertainment trends,
political and scientific events, and prominent names that you associate with that time. You can ask family and
friends who lived during the fifties, or look at newspapers and magazines from that period. Since each
generation is shaped by the events of its time, take a look at your world today and make another list of
corresponding current trends, names and events.
The Fifties . . . Today
Select two contrasting names or events from the lists you have made, for example, Elvis (the fifties),
Backsteet Boys (today). Write a short paragraph to explain what the differences between them might tell us
about their respective times.
During the fifties, hostile and difficult relations existed between our nation and the Soviet Union. Find out
what is meant by the Cold War. List your definition below.
The film October Sky depicts the life of a coal miner as both difficult and dangerous. After seeing the film, jot
down some scenes in the space below that you think are particularly effective in describing that life.
Give a presentation to your classmates on life in a coal-mining town, including such issues as black lung
disease, the hazardous working conditions, and the attempts of the miners to organize. Try to find photographs
of miners and mining towns to accompany your presentation
COMING OF AGE
The film October Sky depicts a series of events that leads young Homer Hickam Jr. into a life of science and
involvement with the space program. The film is based on a true story, but its exploration of such issues as the
importance of a sense of belonging, self-esteem and the approval of others place it in the company of
significant works of ³coming-of-age² fiction throughout the centuries.
PART A Books offer valuable insights into life's lessons, opportunities and problems. Many works of fiction
explore the "coming of age" of young men and women. Choose a "coming-of-age" story you have read and
write three incidents from the story as examples of the character¹s increasing maturity. Explain how each one
demonstrates this change. It is also clear that Homer matures through the course of the film. After seeing the
film, do the same for Homer.
Title of book: ________________________
Author of book: ______________________
Example 1
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Example 2
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
____________________________________ _____________________________________
Homer in the BOOK Rocket Boys/October Sky
Example 1
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Example 2
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
____________________________________ _____________________________________
PART B In the movie, Homer's efforts to make the football team as a stepping stone to getting a college
scholarship show his courage and tenacity. Although he fails in sports, he quickly realizes that the field of
science and rocketry can offer him an even better opportunity to build an exciting, satisfying future. His
ultimate success is based on a combination of his own admirable qualities, teamwork and leadership, as well
as the inspiration of a caring teacher and the work of scientist Werner von Braun. Write a brief paragraph
below explaining what you think are Homer's most valuable qualities.
Homer succeeds because he:
Imagine that Homer has been asked to speak at his graduation. He has decided to talk about the three adults
who have had the most influence on his life thus far. Write Homer¹s speech for him on a separate piece of
paper. Be sure to explain how the qualities possessed by each of these adults differ and what each did to
influence him.
PART C With your classmates, make a list of individuals from the sciences whom you most admire, and have
a discussion on the qualities these individuals possess. Then think about one person who has influenced you in
an important way. On a separate piece of paper, write an autobiographical sketch in which you bring this
person to life and explain how he or she helped you to make a significant change in your life.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE? October Sky has much to say about both the complexities of family relationships
and the delight in scientific exploration and inquiry that results in breakthroughs that affect each of our lives.
Homer¹s father, who has spent his life working in the mines, is proud of what he does, and is disappointed in
his son for not wanting to do the same. He thinks that Homer and his friends are wasting their time on their
rocket projects and he resents Homer's adoration of noted rocket scientist Werner von Braun.
PART A Imagine that, like Homer, you could correspond with any scientist living today. Who would that
person be? _____________________________________
What questions would you ask him or her?
PART B Interview older family members about whether they were ever expected to "follow in the footsteps"
of other family members. How did they feel about it? Did they follow tradition or take off on their own? What
do they think now of the decisions they made then?
PART C Ask a parent to describe a person who had great influence over him or her during the period of
transition from youth to adulthood. Who was the person and what lasting influences did that person have on
your family member? Has that relationship had an effect on your life?
PART D Interview family members to learn which twentieth-century scientists they believe have had the
greatest impact on their lives. Bring your findings back to class. Together with your classmates, put together a
chart to see whom your class rates as the most influential scientific figures of this century.
Additional Information: Filmed on location in Oliver Springs and Petros, Tennessee.
Rated: PG (for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and thematic elements)
October Sky is an anagram of Rocket Boys. (The letters of the word "Rocket Boys" can be switched around to
spell out "October Sky"
Universal studio's adaptation of Homer Hickam's memoir Rocket Boys into a major motion picture in 1998
was very well done and Homer is proud of this version of his story. He was a techical consultant on the movie
and worked very hard to keep West Virginia stereotypes minimal in this gutsy depiction of his town and
family.
However, for those of you who have ONLY SEEN THE MOVIE there will certainly be some SURPRISES
when you do read the book they based October Sky on!
Just to whet your curiosity (and get you to read the book to find out the real and much more detailed story)
here are some Rocket Boys truths:
Homer's name is not Homer in the book. He used his nickname, "Sonny." His mother gave him the
nickname but the Great Six (his Coalwood school teachers) had their own ideas on how it should be spelled...
Homer's Dad's name is not John, it is Homer. Homer, Jr. (Sonny) was named after his father...
The Rocket Boys were a group of SIX boys not four...
The Rocket Boys never stole railroad tracks for rocket supply money. They did, however, go after the cast
iron pipe underneath the tracks. Homer almost lost his life doing it...
Homer did not quit school to go work in the mines...
The Rocket Boys did not win scholarships to go to college. They received, however, a far greater gift...
The Plot: Growing up in a small mining town in West Virginia, the future of many of it's young teens were
obvious: they would become miners. When 14 year old Homer Hickam, Jr. witnessed the Soviet sattellite,
Sputnik fly over Coalwood, WV, he knew he was destined to change the inevitable. Watching Sputnik soar
across the night sky helped to inspire Homer and a small group of his friends to to build and launch their own
homemade rockets, thus leading to a local uproar. Before long the boys are able to end the discouraging
remarks, and win over the hearts of many, including their chemistry teacher, Miss Riley who helps lead them
in the direction to secure their prosperous futures... by attending college.