Old Dogs.Young Dogs.Our Dogs.My Dog.Yellow Dogs.Blue Dogs.Pink Dogs.Dirty Dogs.Barking Dogs.Quiet Dogs.Sleeping Dogs.Loyal Dogs.What Dog is our Hero?My students were watching October Sky last month and there is a point in the movie when the DAD turns to the SON and says:"Heard you met your Hero -- Von Braun. Dr. Von Braun. And you didn't even know it..." - Hey, Dad. - Hello, Homer. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you did for me. I know it wasn't easy for you, so thank you. We're shooting off our last rocket today at : so if you'd like to see it-- I got a lot of work to do. All right. I just thought I'd ask. Hear you met your big hero. Didn't even know it. Look... I know you and me don't exactly see eye to eye on certain things. I mean, man, we don't see eye to eye on just about anything. But I come to believe that I got it in me to be somebody in this world. And it's not because I'm so different from you either. It's 'cause I'm the same. I can be just as hardheaded and just as tough.
I only hope I can be as good a man as you are. I mean, sure, Dr. von Braun's a great scientist... but he isn't my hero.All the freshman boys noted that Homer does not say the line:You are. Dad.All the Senior classmen noted that that was implied.Happy Birthday, Dad!FD.http://www.homerhickam.com/educators/osguide.shtmlDear FREDDALLAS (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 one's 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
