Black History Month Lesson featuring Katherine Johnson

Looking for a Black History Month Lesson? Here it is! Celebrate Black History Month by studying African-American scientists such as Katherine Johnson. Working for NASA, she was known as a “human computer” and was trusted by astronauts to send them safely into space. Use this resource to celebrate Black History Month in your classroom.

This Black History Month Activity Includes:

• One page biography
• Comprehension puzzle activity
• Research page. Can be used as a summary or to encourage students to look further into Johnson’s life. This method is highly encouraged!
• Answer sheet
• Two video links for enrichment of this lesson.

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Why is Katherine Johnson perfect for a Black History Month Lesson?

Katherine Johnson is a wonderful choice for studying Black History Month due to her many achievements as a mathematician and her deep impact on space exploration. Born in 1918, Johnson faced great obstacles as an African American woman during a time of racial segregation and gender discrimination. However, her exceptional mathematical skills led her to break barriers and make significant contributions to NASA’s space program.

Johnson’s work as a “human computer” involved complex calculations for space missions. This included the trajectory analysis for Alan Shepard’s historic Mercury flight and the calculations that ensured the safe return of the Apollo 11 mission. Her meticulous and groundbreaking calculations played a critical role in the success of these missions, solidifying her reputation as a key figure in space exploration.

Beyond all of that, Johnson’s legacy lies in her perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Johnson was an African American woman working in a predominantly white and male environment. She not only shattered racial and gender barriers but also became an inspiration for future generations of women and people of color pursuing careers in STEM.

Studying Katherine Johnson during Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize her indelible mark on history, celebrate her extraordinary achievements, and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific advancement. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the untapped potential and remarkable contributions that can emerge when barriers are broken down and equal opportunities are fostered for all individuals, regardless of their background.