Katherine Johnson: Trailblazing NASA Mathematician

Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician, overcame racial and gender barriers to make significant contributions to NASA's space missions, including John Glenn's orbit and the Apollo 11 mission. Despite facing segregation, she excelled in her role and became a key figure in space exploration. After retiring, she advocated for STEM education for black girls and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

What challenge did Katherine Johnson face in her early education?

• Language barriers

• Financial difficulties

• Racial segregation in schools

• Lack of interest in mathematics

What was Katherine Johnson's role when she first joined NASA?

• Engineer

• Pilot

• Computer

• Astronaut

Which major space mission did Katherine Johnson contribute to?

• Apollo 11

• Voyager 1

• Apollo 13

• Mars Rover

How did Katherine Johnson defy workplace segregation at NASA?

• By playing cards and discussing aviation with white colleagues

• By working from home

• By using segregated facilities

• By refusing to work with white colleagues

What honor was Katherine Johnson awarded in 2015?

• Nobel Prize

• Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Pulitzer Prize

• Congressional Gold Medal