OCTOBER SKYChapters 10 and 11

Comprehension Questions

How are the football boys different at the beginning of the

1958 school year?

The football boys were in a depressed- like state. They were seen as “sullen and trigger-sensitive to insult.” The following descriptions were used: More lumpy than muscledMore bullet-headed than brightOddly tainted

What is Sonny’s “startling revelation” about geometry?

Sonny’s “startling revelation” about geometry is he believes it is a message from God. Who helps him understand

his revelation? Reverend Richard

Why does the BCMA conflict with the law?

O’Dell and Roy Lee plan to take phones, presumably scrap, from the mule barn, which is mine property.

They are trapped in the mule barn and get caught.

Mr. Van Dyke confronts Sonny and the other boys with the “crime” of breaking and entering to commit theft, with a penalty of jail time.

How is the conflict resolved?

Van Dyke decides to extend “mercy” to the boys because Tag Farmer, the constable (peace officer with limited policing authority,) considers them to be good boys.

Explain why you do or do not think Mr. Van Dyke really intends to press charges.

How does Sonny’s view of academics change due to

the BCMA? Rocketry provides the incentives

for Sonny to study hard, make good grades in plane geometry, and want to know more about angles, and polygons for rocket design.

Who is the chemistry teacher at Big Creek High School?

Miss Riley

How would you rate her effectiveness as a teacher?

Why?

Who is the new member of the BCMA?

Billy

How does Elsie treat him? Elsie treats Billy like one of her own

by giving him new clothing from Sonny’s closet after one look at him.

What is “rocket candy? Melted saltpeter and sugar

What effect does it have on the rocket launches?

Makes the rockets increase altitude

What height does Auk XII attain?

760 ft.After the launches of Auks IX-

XIII, what do the boys realize is the major problem?

Corrosion

Why does Homer take Sonny into the mine?

When Homer learns of Sonny’s desire to be an engineer, he wants him to see what he thinks a real engineer’s job is.

Without telling Elsie, Homer takes Sonny into the mine, where he explains engineering techniques necessary to safe mining.

How do Sonny, Homer, and Elsie react to this experience?

On their return to the surface, both Homer and Sonny face the “moment of truth” – Sonny wants to become a space, not a mining, engineer.

The closeness Sonny had felt to his dad in the mine disappears.

Homer is disappointed with Sonny; Sonny blames himself for everything

Elsie, who is waiting for them when they emerge from the mine, is furious

She vows that the mine will not kill her sons as it is killing Homer.