October Sky

Process: Students will choose a combination of assignments worth varying point values. Students will work as individuals
outside of the classroom to complete the activities needed to total exactly 100 points.
Important Dates:
Choices must be made by and signature returned by: Monday, October 5
Project Update Dates: October 13 and 20
Project Due Date: Friday, October 23
Possible
Points

50

50

50

50
20
20
20
20
10
10

Assignment Description

Create a musical soundtrack that represents a major theme from the book. The soundtrack must
contain the following: a collection of 10-12 songs that accompany key moments in the plot. The
album cover must be designed to accompany the theme of the novel. The liner notes must contain
song lyrics and a paragraph explanation/justification of song choice as it pertains to the novel.
Create a movie trailer between 1:30-2:00 minutes in length. Trailer must include a written script and
introduce a basic storyline, utilizing images, sound and voice, designed for a particular audience. The
purpose of the movie trailer is for students to not only demonstrate their understanding of the selected
book, but also to convince others to read this book.
Create a movie review/critique that analyzes commonalities/differences between the movie and
novel. Review must address major plot points of novel and movie and must contain a
recommendation for either the book or the movie complete with justification. Must be a minimum of
2 pages in length.
Design and Create a 15-page yearbook with title and captions (minimum 4 pictures per page). This project
must highlight each character as well as the school and community. The theme of the yearbook must reflect the
theme of the novel. OR Design and Create a 4 page website (i.e. weebly) that addresses the theme of the novel
while focusing on the setting, characters, plot, and historical accuracy of the novel.
Create a poster size annotated timeline of key events from the novel. Timeline should include a minimum of
10 events with a two sentence description of each event and an illustration.
Create 5 trading cards featuring characters from the book. The front will include a picture and the back will
include 3 facts about each person.
Create a travel brochure highlighting Coalwood, WV in the present-day. Be sure to include information on the
town and information about the novel and its real-life counterparts.
Explore a specific topic in October Sky (Coal Mining as an Industry, Sputnik, Space Travel, Environmental
Issues from Coal Mining, etc) and complete a minimum 1 page report on the subject.
Create a crossword puzzle using 20 of the vocabulary terms in the novel packet. The puzzle should be created
on graph paper if handwritten or it may be typed. You must also include a key for your puzzle.
Create an original movie poster or redesigned book jacket that demonstrates understanding of theme of the
novel/movie. Must be at least 11inx17in in size.

* Any typed assignment should be in Times New Roman, 12 pt font with 1 inch margins.
*Students will present projects to the class during the week of October 26, 2015. A presentation rubric will be provided.

Student Name

Parent Signature

Date

Period

Date