Hidden Figures Worksheet Answers: Complete Guide & Insights
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The film "Hidden Figures" tells the remarkable story of three brilliant African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played crucial roles in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Their work helped the United States win the Space Race against the Soviet Union. This article provides a complete guide and insights into the themes, characters, and significant events in "Hidden Figures," along with answers to commonly posed questions related to the film. Whether you're a student completing a worksheet or just interested in understanding the depth of this incredible story, we've got you covered!
Overview of "Hidden Figures" 🌟
"Hidden Figures" is based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, which highlights the contributions of these three women against the backdrop of racial segregation and gender discrimination in the 1960s. The film showcases their intellect, perseverance, and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated field.
Main Characters
- Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson): A mathematician whose calculations were essential for NASA's early space missions.
- Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer): A mathematician and the first African-American woman to supervise a group of staff at NASA.
- Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe): An engineer who fought to be allowed to take graduate classes at an all-white school.
Themes Explored in the Film
Overcoming Adversity 💪
The film emphasizes the idea of overcoming obstacles through determination and hard work. Each of the three protagonists faces both racial and gender-related challenges, yet they continue to break barriers.
Importance of Education 📚
Education plays a crucial role in the lives of the women. The film illustrates how their dedication to learning and expanding their skills allowed them to succeed in a challenging environment.
Friendship and Support 🤝
The bond between the three women is a central theme. They support each other through trials and tribulations, illustrating the importance of solidarity in achieving personal and professional goals.
Key Events in the Film
Here is a brief overview of some significant events in "Hidden Figures":
- Katherine's Calculations: Katherine's contributions are vital for John Glenn's orbital flight.
- Dorothy's Promotion: Dorothy fights for recognition and eventually becomes a supervisor, paving the way for future generations of women in STEM.
- Mary's Struggle: Mary battles racial segregation in education to achieve her goal of becoming an engineer.
Noteworthy Quotes
- "We all gonna end up unemployed, riding around in this rocket!" – highlights the fear and uncertainty faced by NASA employees.
- "Every time we get a chance to be a part of something, we're all in." – underscores the collective commitment to their work.
Hidden Figures Worksheet Answers
Worksheet Questions and Answers
In this section, we’ll provide answers to common worksheet questions about "Hidden Figures." This will aid both students and educators in discussing key aspects of the film.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What was Katherine Johnson's primary role at NASA? | Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who performed critical calculations for NASA's missions, including John Glenn's orbital flight. |
| Why was Dorothy Vaughan significant in the film? | Dorothy Vaughan was significant because she led the group of African-American women who calculated mathematical data for NASA and fought for their rights in the workplace. |
| What barriers did Mary Jackson face? | Mary Jackson faced racial and gender discrimination, particularly in her pursuit of becoming an engineer, which required her to take classes at a segregated school. |
| How did the women's contributions impact the Space Race? | Their work allowed NASA to achieve key milestones in the Space Race, ensuring that the United States remained competitive in space exploration. |
Insights and Analysis
Cultural Impact
"Hidden Figures" not only celebrates the achievements of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women and minorities in STEM fields. The film has inspired a new generation to pursue careers in science and mathematics.
Historical Context
Understanding the historical context in which the film is set provides deeper insights into the characters' motivations and challenges. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and the film touches on how this cultural shift influenced the lives of African Americans in the workforce.
The Power of Representation
The film highlights the importance of representation in media. By showcasing the stories of these brilliant women, "Hidden Figures" helps to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to science and technology.
Conclusion
"Hidden Figures" serves not only as an entertaining film but also as a powerful narrative about perseverance, intelligence, and the importance of representation in the sciences. The contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson to NASA are a testament to what can be achieved when talent and determination meet opportunity. By understanding their stories and the themes explored in the film, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM fields.