Respond below to the following discussion prompt. Remember to use complete sentences and have at least 5 sentences in your response. Read the prompt all the way through as it has a few parts.

Discuss the idea of a catalyst. What is a catalyst?

A Catalyst has many meanings within this memoir. There are the catalysts that spur Sonny to action, and in a scientific sense, in the fuel that sends the rockets skyward. As O’Dell says, “A rocket won’t fly unless someone lights the fuse” (105).

How important is it to have catalysts in all endeavors? Would the boys have gotten to the science fair without them? What are the catalysts that influenced Sonny or the other rocket boys? What catalysts do you have in your life?

As you read this memoir, do you begin to feel as if you knew or relate to the people involved? Do you like them? Do you think you’d have been happy to live in Coalwood in the late 1950’s? If you had, what position in it would you have wanted? Coal miner? Foreman? Teacher? Housewife? Preacher? Doctor? Rocket Boy or Girl? Football Star?

Homer's friends, the "rocket boys," were at first skeptical of Homer's interest in rockets. However, they quickly came to encourage his dream. Do we tend to encourage or discourage the dreams of our friends and peers? Why? What dream or goal did you have, and how did those close to you respond to it? 

Comment on the above questions. Feel free as well to respond to a comment by one of your classmates. Let's get the discussion rolling!

Welcome to the discussion board!

Throughout the unit, I will be posting discussion questions on this page. You will be required to comment on my post as well as respond to the posts of others. 

Policies
1. Respond to the discussion question on time. Comments posted after 9:00 PM on the night of the assignment will not be counted. 
2. When responding, please be respectful of the opinions of your classmates. Discussion boards will be monitored.
3. Be thoughtful in your response. Take your time to comment and think about the response. All responses must be at least 5 sentences long.