Exploring Central Ideas in Hidden Figures

Which of the following best describes the main role of Katherine Johnson in "Hidden Figures"? Consider whether her role involved technical or scientific work. Think about the main job Katherine Johnson did for NASA. Reflect on whether she was involved in flying or calculations. Consider if her role was more about reporting or scientific contributions.

• She was a janitor at NASA.

• She was a mathematician who calculated flight trajectories.

• She was a pilot for the Mercury missions.

• She was a journalist covering NASA events.

What does the word "trajectory" most closely mean as used in "Hidden Figures"? Consider the context of the path followed by a moving object.

• A type of computer

• The path followed by a moving object

• A group of scientists

• A secret code

Which Greek root in the word "astronaut" helps you understand its meaning? The clue is that it relates to stars.

• "astro"

• "naut"

• "auto"

• "graph"

Which of the following is a central idea in "Hidden Figures"? Consider how collaboration among the main characters led to success.

• The importance of teamwork in scientific achievements

• The history of airplanes

• The invention of the telephone

• The dangers of space travel

What does the word "segregation" mean as used in the context of "Hidden Figures"? Note: The context involves the historical practice of separating people based on race.

• Combining groups together

• Separating people

• Working as a team

• Sharing resources equally

Which Latin root in the word "calculate" helps you understand its meaning? The root "calc" means stone.

• "cal"

• "cul"

• "calc"

• "ate"

Which of the following best describes Dorothy Vaughan’s contribution in "Hidden Figures"? Consider her role in space exploration, her work with the IBM computers, her engineering achievements, and her influence in media and communication.

• She was the first female astronaut.

• She became an expert in computer programming.

• She designed the first rocket.

• She was a famous journalist.

Which word from "Hidden Figures" contains a Greek root meaning "earth"? *Clue:* The root "geo-" means "earth".

• Geometry

• Biology

• Astronomy

• Chemistry

Which of the following best explains the author’s use of the word "pioneer" to describe the women in "Hidden Figures"? Consider what it means to be a pioneer in a field. Think about the context of the story "Hidden Figures". Reflect on the historical timeline of computer development. Consider the achievements of the women in "Hidden Figures".

• They were the first to explore new areas in science and math.

• They traveled to the Wild West.

• They built the first computers.

• They invented airplanes.

How does the author’s choice of the word "hidden" in the title affect the reader’s understanding of the book? Consider the significance of the women's roles in history. Think about why the women’s stories were not well known. Reflect on whether the book is based on true events or not. Analyze if the book discusses secretive elements or focuses on real-life contributions.

• It suggests the women were not important.

• It highlights that their contributions were not widely known.

• It means the story is fictional.

• It refers to secret codes.