October Sky

John Hickam is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim and Homer, to follow in his footsteps. But Jim gets a football scholarship, and Homer becomes interested in rocket science after seeing Sputnik 1 crossing the sky. John disapproves of his son's new mania, but Homer begins building rockets with the help of friends and a sympathetic teacher. Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.

Media Type: Movie

Genres: Biography, Drama,

Educational Topics: Physics, Perseverance, Space, Science

Grade Level: Middle–High

Key Scene: Homer builds his first rocket

Teaching Activity Idea: Build and test model rockets or research NASA history

Discussion Questions: What inspires Homer to pursue science?

Rating: PG

Streaming: Peacock