Quiz 6.3: October Sky response essay

Hi students!  Now that we have finished October Sky, I want you to reflect on what we have seen and compare it to what we learned last week.  We have learned the history of the space race between the US and USSR and October Sky tells the story of one man's reaction to the events of the race.  The history of the space race and the story of Homer Hickam are intertwined.

Weekly Objective:  Student will be able to describe the correlation between the events in Homer Hickam's life, as depicted in the film October Sky, with the history of the space race between the US and USSR in a written constructed response.

To accomplish this objective...

Write a two-paragraph analysis of how the events of the space race influenced Homer Hickam in October Sky.  Questions to consider are: What event inspired Homer to become a rocket scientist?  Who did Homer look up to?  What was the prevailing opinion of the USSR among residents of Coalwood?  What opportunities were available to young people in Coalwood?  How would Homer Hickam's life been different if the space race did not happen?

Please note that this is essay constitutes the entire quiz 6.3 grade.  I will use the common core writing rubric for argument to grade your essay.  Juniors and seniors, you can see your rubric here.  Freshmen and sophomores, find yours here.