Format	Film (DVD, VHS)
Title	October Sky
Year of Release	(1999) Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating	PG for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements.
Concepts (Subconcepts)	Families in society; (families and work); (gender role socialization); internal dynamics of families; (family communication); human growth and development; (adolescence); parenting; (child-parent relationships);
Language	English
Summary of Film or Television Series premise	“In 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coalmine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.” (www.IMDB.com)
Description of Clip (if applicable) and length	Homer shoots off their first rocket and it goes flying into the mine where his father works. [approx. 4 min.]
Teaching Activities	Discussion; guided observation; (used in the class, Fathering: Theory, Research and Practice)
Audience	Students over 18
Contributor	Kevin M. Green*, Parent educator/Family Life Educator Phone: 612-624-1245 *Contact contributor for more information about the use of this clip/teaching idea.
Links for Additional Information	Internet Movie Database: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132477/ Yahoo Movies: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800019218/info
Entry date	November 2, 2006