Description
Black History Month Activity featuring Katherine Johnson
This Black History Month activity is perfect for your classroom. Celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month by studying a biography of African-American scientists such as Katherine Johnson. This reading comprehension and research activity is sure to captivate your students! Working for NASA, she was known as a “human computer” and was trusted by astronauts to send them safely into space. Includes a puzzle activity and video links!
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 Harris’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 Activity?
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose work helped make space exploration possible. Born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Katherine showed an early love for numbers. She was so talented that she started high school at just 10 years old and graduated from college at 18. At a time when opportunities for Black women were extremely limited, Katherine refused to let barriers stop her from pursuing her passion for math.
Katherine Johnson worked for NASA (then called NACA), where she calculated complex math problems by hand. Her calculations helped send the first American astronauts into space and ensured their safe return to Earth. Most famously, astronaut John Glenn personally asked Katherine to double-check the computer’s calculations before his historic orbit around Earth. Her accuracy and confidence made her a trusted and respected member of the space program.
Despite facing segregation and discrimination, Katherine Johnson persisted with determination and grace. She later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to science and space travel.
Katherine Johnson’s story is a powerful example of perseverance, problem-solving, and the importance of diversity in STEM. Her life inspires students to believe in their abilities and to see how math can truly change the world
Interactive Black History Month Bulletin Board
Use this Black History Month bulletin board to inspire your students during the entire month of February!
