Hidden Figures gives us the opportunity to see behind the scenes of some of the most important events in NASA history and in the acceptance of women and minorities into STEM fields. It tells how, in the face of racism and sexism, black female mathematicians completed the calculations that were essential to send our first astronauts safely into space and back.
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Unit Study Resources
Hidden Figures would make a great basis for a unit study. It has history, literature, STEM, and other aspects that appeal to students. Use these links below as a guide.
Literature
The Hidden Figures movie was based on a book by Margot Lee Shetterly It is, also, available in a young reader’s edition. The book is based on actual events and written after extensive research by the author, including interviews with as many actual participants as possible.
You can read the book before or after the movie. Use venn diagrams like these to compare and contrast the book and the movie.
Biographies
Request our free biography forms. There are three different layouts; select the format that best fits your student!
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Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden biography lesson plans and links
Mary Jackson Biography
Katherine Johnson Biography
Dorothy Vaughan
History
Human Computers: The Women Of NASA
Women In Mathematics History
The Untold History Of Women In Science And Technology
STEM
NASA has its own Hidden Figures Took Kit full of resources
Space Math
Rocket Science Math
Space exploration STEM activities
Career Exploration
NASA Women Of STEM
Women@NASA
Math Careers
STEM career info