Message-Id: <l03110712b30ef975fbd0@[192.174.2.173]>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 09:04:19 -0800
To: pinhole@exploratorium.edu
From: Paul Doherty <pauld@exploratorium.edu>
Subject: forwarded movie recommendation
Subject: (Fwd) OCTOBER SKY: AN INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE FOR EDUCATORS AND ST
Forwarded from the executive director of the American Physical
Society:
As a former teacher, I just wanted to let you know about a wonderful and
inspirational movie, OCTOBER SKY. Perhaps you've heard of it, or perhaps
you've even seen it. If you haven't, I urge you to for several reasons.
The movie OCTOBER SKY is based on the memoir by NASA engineer, Homer H.
Hickam, entitled ROCKET BOYS. Both the book and the movie are special
because they illustrate how important education is, and how vital the role
an inspirational teacher can play in a student's development.
OCTOBER SKY focuses on a group of teenagers in a West Virginia coal mining
community in 1957 who use math and science to realize a dream with the
encouragement of a supportive science teacher played by Laura Dern. Inspired
by the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik, the "rocket boys" decide to
aim for the stars in hopes of getting college scholarships.
I have nothing to do with the production of this movie, but I do live in Los
Angeles, the center of the movie industry. I know that when we "vote" for
movies like OCTOBER SKY at the box office, and they do well, it means
Hollywood will make more like them.
Being profoundly moved by seeing it, and knowing that teachers and students
should hear about it, I contacted the producer's office to see if there was
any information about the movie I could provide teachers I know. They
provided me with a study guide that had been given out a few months ago at a
national teacher's conference in Texas and it will be on the Internet THIS
FRIDAY. I then decided I should search for as many teacher email addresses
(from friends and the Internet) and let them know about the guide.
The study guide will be on the Internet this Friday, Mar. 12, at the
movie's official web page:
www.octobersky.com
I believe this is a useful tool for teachers and students in the classroom.
If you've seen the movie, and believe in it as I do, please pass this email
along. If you haven't seen OCTOBER SKY, see it, and then use the study guide
for classroom discussion.
Mike Horton, a Physics/Chemistry teacher (and science department chair at
Perris High School in southern California) has posted messages on two list
servers regarding my campaign to help get the word out. (Chemistry:
chemed-l@atlantis.uwf.edu; Physics: physhare@lists.psu.edu ). Mike, along
with my sister who teaches law and psychology at Perris High, have given
extra credit to students who have seen the movie and who have completed
assignments regarding science in the movie, or, the movie's message that no
matter a student's circumstance, you can make something of your life if you
are dedicated enough and stick to your dream.
Questions you may have:
How did I get your email address?
I simply searched the Internet for leading teachers, students and educators
across the nation. I was also given email addresses by other teachers who
have seen the movie and thought it deserved your attention.
What's in it for me?
The pleasure that someone enjoyed the movie as much as me and that both
teachers and students see it. (I've never done this before and only hope
that there's another movie in my lifetime worthy of my efforts.)
Thanks and enjoy.
Sandy Santistevan
baladegoma@earthlink.net
Freelance writer/photographer
Spanish/English tutor