Katherine Johnson

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Katherine Johnson is known for being a human "computer" at NASA during the race to space. As an African American during the time of Jim Crow laws, she worked in the West Area Computer Unit at the Langley Research Center. The unit was a segregated work area with its own bathrooms and cafeterias.

Johnson was eventually transferred to the flight research division at Langley, where she worked on the math behind how to get humans to space and back at what became NASA in 1958.

Johnson was the subject of the 2016 book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. A movie based on the book was released the same year. In 2017, a new research facility was named for her: the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

Born - August 26, 1918

Died - February 24, 2020

Katherine Johnson: An American Hero (NASA)

Activities, Lesson Plans, and More

Age Range Key

'Hidden Figures': How Black Women Did The Math That Put Men On The Moon (M,O)
An interview with Hidden Figures Author Margot Lee Shetterly heard on All Things Considered September 25, 2016 on NPR.

Why You Must Read the Book ‘Hidden Figures’ (M,O)
This article from Thought Co. discusses the history and context surrounding the book ‘Hidden Figures’ that features Katherine Johnson and other human computers at NASA.

From Hidden to Modern Figures (Y,M,O,T)
A collection of videos, photos, articles, biographies, and other resources featuring NASA human computers Katherine Johnson, Mary W. Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

NASA Modern Figures Educators Toolkit: Lessons and Activities (Y,M,O,T)
This Educators Toolkit from NASA has a series of resources, lessons, and educational activities for K-12 students to learn about and celebrate the achievements of Katherine Johnson and her fellow human computers.

Katherine Johnson at the NASA Langley Research Center (Y,M,O,T)
A collection of articles, photos, videos, and other resources from NASA covering the life and work of Katherine Johnson.

Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson Biography (M,O)
Biography from the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

Katherine Johnson Biography (M,O)
Biography by Margot Lee Shetterly, published on NASA.

Katherine Johnson Biography (M,O)
Learn about the life and work of Katherine Johnson from Biography.com.

Katherine Johnson Interview: NASA's Human Computer (Video) (M,O)
An interview with NASA human computer, Katherine Johnson, on What Matters. She talks about her life and her work at NASA, including calculating John Glenn's flight trajectory. From History vs Hollywood.

Katherine Johnson, 'hidden figure' at NASA during 1960s space race, dies at 101 (M,O)
A Washington Post obituary article dated Feb 24, 2020.

Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician And An Inspiration For 'Hidden Figures,' Dies (M,O)
Obituary heard on the Morning Edition of NPR February 24, 2020.

On Being a Black Female Math Whiz During the Space Race (M,O)
A New York Times article by Cara Buckley that explores the experiences and challenges faced by black female mathematicians during the space race era. Dated Sept. 5, 2016.

The Woman the Mercury Astronauts Couldn't Do Without (M,O)
This Nautilus science magazine article provides an in-depth background on the life and work of Katherine Johnson and other human computers at NASA. Originally published in Nautilus on December 1, 2016.

Katherine Johnson PBS Learning Lesson (Y,M,O,T)
This lesson plan from PBS Learning includes a video that discusses the life and work of Katherine Johnson, as well as her recognition in Congress. It’s accompanied by discussion topics and extension activities. For grades 3-12.

Lesson Plan: “When Computers Wore Skirts:” Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, and the “West Computers” (O,T)
Explore the West Area Computers and the significant contributions of Katherine Johnson with this comprehensive lesson plan from the American Institute of Physics. For grades 9-12.

Katherine Johnson NASA Research Mathematician: Lessons and Resources (Y,M,O,T)
WDW Edventures offers a range of K-12 lesson plans, activities, videos, reading recommendations, and other resources, highlighting the life and work of Katherine Johnson, the NASA research mathematician.

Katherine Johnson Mini Book (Y,T)
This free mini-book worksheet from Education.com delves into the life and achievements of Katherine Johnson. Includes coloring pages, vocabulary, grammar, a mini biography, and more. For Kindergarten and 1st grade students.

Katherine Johnson Interactive Lesson (M)
Discover the life and work of Katherine Johnson through an interactive lesson available on the Oak National Academy's Classroom platform. Includes video, STEM exercises, slides, worksheets, and more.

Counting on Katherine: Extension Activities for Educators (Y,T)
These activities from Reading Is Fundamental's (RIF) are designed to accompany the book, ‘Counting on Katherine.’ Activities include creating a timeline, designing bottle rockets, writing and math exercises, and more. For grades K-3.

Katherine Johnson Multimedia Resources and Lesson Plan (M,O,T)
This detailed lesson plan featured on My Hero showcases the life and accomplishments of Katherine Johnson. Includes videos, discussion questions, student essays, and more.