2.4.2021 Reading Classwork

2.4.2021 Reading Classwork

Four Women who Helped NASA 

Plan Trips to Space are 

Being Awarded.

Introduction

Four black American women worked for NASA in the 1960s. They were mathematicians. NASA is the U.S. space agency. The women helped NASA plan trips to space. Now, they will get an award. It is the Congressional Gold Medal.

Introduction

Two of the women are still alive. They are Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden. Ms. Johnson turned 101 in August. Ms. Darden is 77. Two have passed away. They are Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. They will still get the award. The women were some of the first black mathematicians and engineers at NASA. 

Introduction

Congress passed a bill to give the award. It was written by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. They are excited to honor the women. For too long, the women's work did not get enough respect.

Introduction

In 2016, a book was written about the women. It was called "Hidden Figures." The book made the women famous. It was also made into a movie. 

The Women Did Important Work For NASA

Ms. Johnson was a mathematician. She figured out the flight paths for astronauts. Her work made sure they could return safely. She mapped the path for John Glenn. He went around the Earth. She also planned Neil Armstrong's trip to the moon.

The Women Did Important Work For NASA

Ms. Vaughan led a group of computer experts. She was one of the first black leaders in the agency. Later, she programmed computers.

The Women Did Important Work For NASA

Ms. Vaughan led a group of computer experts. She was one of the first black leaders in the agency. Later, she programmed computers.

The Women Did Important Work For NASA

Ms. Darden also became a NASA engineer. She changed how spacecraft was made. Later, she rose to a high position in the agency. She was the first black American to do so.

The Women Did Important Work For NASA

The Congressional Gold Medal is important. It is one of the country's highest honors. Ms. Johnson has another important award. It is the Presidential Medal. President Obama gave her the award.

Multiple Choice

Based on this paragraph, what is the article mainly about?

The Congressional Gold Medal is important. It is one of the country's highest honors. Ms. Johnson has another important award. It is the Presidential Medal. President Obama gave her the award

• when four women received an important medal from Congress

• why four women were honored for their work in the space program

Multiple Choice

What is the section "The Women Did Important Work For NASA" MAINLY about?

• what things the four women did for NASA

• how the four women got jobs at NASA

Multiple Choice

According to these sentences, what happened because of Katherine Johnson?

"Ms. Johnson was a mathematician. She figured out the flight paths for astronauts. Her work made sure they could return safely?"

• Astronauts returned safely from space

• Women were treated fairly at NASA.

Multiple Choice

Based on the sentences below, Why did Mary Jackson go to an all-white school?

"She wanted to become an engineer. They build and make things. She was told to take a class. The classes were only offered at an all-white high school."

• to take classes so she could be an engineer

• to make sure that students were treated fairly

Open Ended

Why is this article important to Black and American History?