Last week, our unit watched "October Sky," a movie based on a true story. It took place in October of 1957 in Coalwood, West Virginia. It is focused on a boy named Homer, whose dad works in the coal mines. His father wants him to work there too someday, but is shocked to learn that his son suddenly finds an interest in rockets after seeing Sputnik in the night sky.
In some states, coal mining is one of the most important industries. But it can also be very dangerous. At first, coal miners brought down canaries to see if there were any poisonous gases, because small birds are more sensitive to the air then we are. If the canary died, the miner would get out of there as soon as possible in order to save his life. Another danger is that sometimes a tunnel could collapse, or even worse, rocks can fall on you and you could get injured or die.
The characters in this movie showed many character traits. Homer and his three friends cooperated very well together, and they eventually found a rocket that worked and could be entered in the school science fair. I believe Homer's dad did not show respect towards his son's new interest in rockets because he was a drunk, and a very stubborn man. He really wanted Homer to follow in his footsteps, but I think Homer made the right decision because working in a coal mine all your life doesn't give you a sense of accomplishment. Homer was assertive with his dad because he knew he was making the right choice by sticking with something he loved. And look where he ended up, in NASA! Meanwhile, I think his dad wasted his whole life in a coal mine where he almost died.
I personally really liked this movie because it was touching and interesting. I felt kind of sad when Homer gave up his rocket dream and started working at the mine when he thought he started the forest fire. I was so happy when Homer learned that he didn't start the fire and then won the national science fair because I knew that he deserved it. I'm glad we watched this movie because I learned so much!
