SAMPLE: Physics

Film Science: Video Questions for October Sky

Note: this film and the memoir on which it is based have had a large impact on secondary literature and science. Mr. Hickam's website is full of info. See: http://www.homerhickam.com/new1.htm Also, a learning guide can be found at the Random House website. The link from Mr. Hickam's site to this learning guide is expired. Use the following URL: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=0440235502&view=tg

1. What inspired Homer Hickam to investigate rocketry?

2. a) What was Sputnik?

b) What was its importance to science?

3. Did Homer have a larger vision for himself at this time?

4. What motivated his friends to join him in his endeavors at "Cape Coalwood"?

5. a) What was the impact of a rocket's exhaust nozzle on its trajectory?

b) How did he address this problem?

6. a) What other problem plagued Homer's first few rockets?

b) How was the problem solved?

7. What do we discover about Homer during this period of test and failures?

8. How does the video depict Homer using the Scientific Method?

9. How did the situation surrounding the cave-in affect Homer's view of his father, John?

10. Describe the significance of scene as Homer, descending into the mine, looks up at the sky.

11. What is the significance of the carbon crystals?

12. How did Homer's visit with his ill teacher, Frieda Riley, affect his personal goals?

13. Comment on the determination Homer discovers in Quentin Wilson when he visits his home.

14. Summarize Homer's experience with scientific espionage.

15. a) What scientist was a hero to Homer?

b) Why?

c) Did Homer's opinion of him change after the science fair?

16. Comment on the hospital scene in which Miss. Riley watches the ascent of Homer's rocket.

17. Summarize the sequence of John's opinion of Homer's goals.

18. What life attitudes did John model for Homer that helped him as a person and as a scientist?

19. Explain why a rocket moves.

20. A propulsive force of 4 000 N will cause what acceleration in a 12 kg model rocket?

21. How does friction affect the performance of a rocket?