Introduction to Research
October Sky (1998) is Universal Studio’s motion picture adaptation of Homer
Hickman’s memoir Rocket Boys. Homer, known as Sonny to his family, was born on February 19, 1943 and raised in Coalwood, West Virginia. Homer’s future, like all the boys that preceded him, was destined to work in the coal mines. However,
Homer had other dreams and aspirations.
Please read over the following questions before watching this film, so that you view the movie with a critical “eye”. There will also be a brief trivia test at the conclusion of the movie, just to check your observation skills!
Directions: Read each question carefully. Write your answers in pen on separate paper. (complete sentences please!)
1. 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. Describe what you believe to be Homer’s most valuable qualities that helped lead to his success.
2. Critical thinking and discovery are two important characteristics of a scientist. Provide two examples from this movie that demonstrate these characteristics with a brief explanation of each.
3. 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. Name these three people and outline a speech for Homer, making sure to explain how the qualities possessed by each of these adults differ and what each did to influence him.
4. Not everyone is going to create a rocket or design a groundbreaking invention. However, this does not mean we can’t be inspired by Homer and the Rocket Boys. Their experiences could motivate us to incorporate exploration into our lives in significant ways. Describe how you could incorporate exploration
(or inquiry) into your academic life at Mepham. (Your answer does not have to necessarily deal with science).

Introduction to Research
October Sky: Trivia Questions
Directions: Working with your table partner, please answer the following questions on this paper.
1. Name the Rocket Boys.
2. What event inspired Homer to start thinking about building rockets?
3. The shaft used for lifting, sorting, and dumping coal was called the ____________________________.
4. The title of the book Miss Riley gave the writer was ______________________________________.
5. Quentin liked to use the word _______________________for anything he liked.
6. ________________________ was the leader of the miners' union
7. ____________________died in a mining accident that made the Homer quit building rockets.
8. Homer’s first rocket ripped out his mother's _______________________________________.
9. __________________________ placed a "No Trespassing" sign at Cape Coalwood.
10. Miss Riley died in 1969 from ________________________ Disease.
11. How far did the last rocket fired by the rocket boys travel?