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to Film Festival
Film
Festival - October Sky
Wednesday
- October 29, 2003
MAC Playhouse - 3:30 pm -
6:15 pm
College Now Course - Science
Hosted by: Dr. Robert Singer, Professor of English
College Now English Course Coordinator
Dr. Mary Theresa Ortiz, College Now Science Course Coordinator
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About the Movie: October Sky
Director, Joe Johnston 1997 - Rating PG
Set in the 1950s, October Sky is the story of Homer Hickam, a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine 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 out to show the world just who he is, as he shoots for the stars.
About
the Presenter: Dr. Mary Theresa Ortiz
Dr. Ortiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences
at Kingsborough Community College. Interested in space since childhood, she
has worked for NASA in the Space Life Sciences Training Program at The Kennedy
Space Center in Florida and as Faculty Research Fellow at The Stennis Space
Center in Mississippi. Dr. Oritz is especially fond of the movie October
Sky since her father nicknamed her "Sputty" after the launch
of the first Sputnik I satellite.
Extra Credit Assignments
ACT Format Question
Given
the recent tragic events involving the COLUMBIA space shuttle, in which seven
astronauts lost their lives in the name of scientific progress, a movement
has begun in Congress to limit future space exploration to unmanned, rather
than manned, flights. This change in operation would involve the use of advanced
technology, which is currently unavailable. The change also removes the "explorer"
from the experience and depends on machinery to substitute for human insight
and observation. However, an unmanned flight would pose no risk to life, would
be less expensive, and basically, the same research data and information would
be made available. This change of operation has become the subject of great
debate.
You have been asked to write a letter to your local congressperson in which
you will express your views concerning the issue of funding manned or unmanned
space exploration. Should the government continue to sponsor manned flights,
or should they switch to unmanned flights? Fully discuss your view; you may
refer to recent historical events, other opinions, television or newspaper
coverage, or even the film October Sky.
Mini-Research Project
(NOTE: This
is NOT a reseach paper - it is a research-oriented experience in which students
gather and categorize information. They can prepare outlines, note-cards and
a bibliography, cite references, or practice any combination of these skills
associated with preparing a research paper).
Utilizing the library and its resources, and/or material from the Internet,
prepare an investigative project that focuses on any one of these topics associated
with the film, October Sky:
a) the Cold War
b) the space race (until the landing on the Moon)
c) history of American coal mining with a focus on Kentucky
d) Cape Canaveral/Kennedy
e) Sputnik
Standard College Essay
Many issues
arise from the analysis and discussion of the film, October Sky. Some
of the more personal issues involve getting along with your parents, the importance
of having friends, believing in yourself and acting on your dreams. Some broader
social issues discussed in the film involve the importance of science in our
lives, the positive role of teachers, overcoming educational and economic
obstacles and the belief that the United States was "destined" to
go into space. There are other related personal and social issues arising
from the analysis of this film, and these are only some suggested and signification
themes to consider.
In a full-length essay (approximately 400-500 words), later to be revised
for content and correctness, discuss any of the issues raised in the film
October Sky that you consider to be of special interest either for
you or for society. Explain why and how these issues are significant not only
in the film but also in relationship to your own life, the American experience
or both.
Event Photos
October Sky - October 29, 2003
Science Course Coordinator Dr. Mary Ortiz and
College Now Film Festival Coordinator Karl Dettmer
at the kick-off of the College Now 20th year Film Festival.
Kingsborough
Biology Dept. Chairperson, Dr. Arthur Zeitlin (left) and former
College Now Science Course Coordinator, Dr. Peter Pilchman (right)
at the opening of "October Sky".
Dr. Robert Singer, the
Film Festival Host, welcomes
the audience to
the screening of movie, "October Sky".
College Now Science teachers
William Dumont (James Madison HS)
and Peter Sorrentino (Port Richmond HS), (left to right).
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