Overview of "Hidden Figures"
The film "Hidden Figures," directed by Theodore Melfi and released in 2016, is based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly. It tells the remarkable true story of three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played pivotal roles at NASA during the 1960s. Their contributions were essential in ensuring the success of early space missions, including John Glenn's historic orbital flight.
Main Characters
1. Katherine Johnson - A brilliant mathematician whose calculations were critical for the success of the early space missions.
2. Dorothy Vaughan - A skilled mathematician and computer programmer who became one of the first supervisors of the West Area Computers.
3. Mary Jackson - An engineer who fought for her right to be an engineer and became NASA's first African-American female engineer.
Importance of a Worksheet
Worksheets serve as an effective educational tool that can enhance the viewing experience of films like "Hidden Figures." They promote engagement, critical thinking, and discussion among students. By answering questions related to the film, students can better understand the historical context, character development, and overarching themes.
Benefits of Using Worksheets
- Enhanced Comprehension: Worksheets help students retain information by prompting them to think critically about the content.
- Encouragement of Discussion: They facilitate group discussions, allowing students to share their perspectives and insights.
- Assessment Tool: Teachers can use worksheets to assess student understanding and identify areas that may need further exploration.
- Integration of Themes: Worksheets can be designed to connect the film’s themes to broader topics such as civil rights, gender equality, and STEM education.
Types of Questions in the Worksheet
A well-structured worksheet for "Hidden Figures" typically comprises various types of questions, including:
1. Character Analysis: Questions that focus on the main characters’ motivations, challenges, and contributions.
2. Plot Summary: Questions that ask students to summarize key events in the film.
3. Theme Exploration: Questions that encourage students to identify and discuss the film's central themes.
4. Historical Context: Questions related to the historical events depicted in the film, such as the space race and the civil rights movement.
5. Personal Reflection: Questions that prompt students to reflect on how the film relates to their own lives or current societal issues.
Sample Questions and Answer Key
Below is a selection of sample questions along with their corresponding answers that could be included in a worksheet for "Hidden Figures."
Sample Questions
1. Describe Katherine Johnson's role at NASA. Why was her work significant?
2. What obstacles did Dorothy Vaughan face as a woman and an African-American at NASA?
3. How did Mary Jackson’s pursuit of her engineering degree reflect the challenges women faced in STEM fields?
4. What impact did the civil rights movement have on the characters’ lives and careers?
5. Discuss the theme of perseverance as portrayed in the film. Provide examples.
6. What was the significance of John Glenn’s trust in Katherine Johnson’s calculations?
Answer Key
1. Katherine Johnson's Role: Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who calculated trajectories, launch windows, and emergency return paths for many missions, including John Glenn's orbital flight. Her work was significant because it ensured the safety and success of these missions at a time when women, especially African-American women, were largely overlooked in the STEM fields.
2. Dorothy Vaughan's Obstacles: Dorothy Vaughan faced racial and gender discrimination as an African-American woman in a predominantly white and male environment. Despite her qualifications and expertise, she had to fight for recognition and opportunities, ultimately becoming a supervisor and paving the way for other women in her field.
3. Mary Jackson's Pursuit: Mary Jackson's pursuit of an engineering degree showcased her determination to overcome barriers. She had to petition the city to take night classes at an all-white school, illustrating the systemic challenges women of color faced in advancing their education and careers in STEM.
4. Impact of the Civil Rights Movement: The civil rights movement provided a backdrop to the characters' struggles. It highlighted the social and political changes occurring in America, which influenced their fight for equality and recognition in their workplace. The film illustrates how their success was intertwined with the broader fight for civil rights.
5. Theme of Perseverance: The theme of perseverance is central to the film. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary each faced significant challenges but continued to push forward. For example, Katherine’s determination to have her calculations recognized and Mary’s relentless quest to become an engineer exemplify the power of persistence in achieving one's goals.
6. Significance of John Glenn’s Trust: John Glenn’s trust in Katherine Johnson’s calculations was significant because it symbolized a major breakthrough in the acceptance of women and African-Americans in pivotal roles within NASA. His decision to insist on her calculations underscored the importance of merit over race and gender.
Conclusion
In summary, the hidden figures movie worksheet answer key serves as a comprehensive tool for educators to engage students with the film "Hidden Figures." Through character analysis, plot summaries, and explorations of themes, students gain valuable insights into the lives of these remarkable women and the historical context in which they operated. By utilizing worksheets, educators can foster discussions about race, gender, and the importance of diversity in STEM fields, making the lessons from "Hidden Figures" relevant and impactful for today's generation. This film not only celebrates the achievements of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson but also encourages all viewers to recognize the contributions of those who have often been overlooked in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the movie 'Hidden Figures'?
The movie focuses on the contributions of three African American women mathematicians, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who worked at NASA and played crucial roles in the early years of the U.S. space program.
How does the movie 'Hidden Figures' address themes of racial and gender inequality?
The film highlights the challenges faced by the main characters due to their race and gender, showcasing their struggles for recognition and equality in a predominantly white and male-dominated workplace.
What key historical event does 'Hidden Figures' revolve around?
The movie revolves around the launch of John Glenn's orbital flight in 1962 and the critical calculations performed by the three women that ensured the mission's success.
What kind of activities might be included in a 'Hidden Figures' movie worksheet?
A 'Hidden Figures' movie worksheet might include questions about character analysis, themes, historical context, and key events, as well as prompts for personal reflections on the film's messages.
What educational level is the 'Hidden Figures' movie worksheet typically designed for?
The worksheet is often designed for middle school and high school students, aiming to enhance their understanding of history, mathematics, and social justice issues.
How can teachers effectively use the 'Hidden Figures' movie worksheet in the classroom?
Teachers can use the worksheet to facilitate discussions, encourage critical thinking, and connect the film's themes to broader historical and societal issues, fostering a more interactive learning environment.
What impact did the movie 'Hidden Figures' have on public awareness of women's contributions to STEM?
The movie significantly raised awareness about the often-overlooked contributions of women, particularly women of color, in STEM fields, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science and technology.
