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. Born in 1918, she excelled in mathematics despite segregated schooling. At NASA, she challenged segregation and became a key figure in major projects. After retiring, she advocated for STEM education for black girls. Her legacy continues to inspire, and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

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?

• Pilot

• Computer

• Engineer

• Astronaut

Which major space mission did Katherine Johnson contribute to?

• Hubble Space Telescope

• Voyager 1

• Mars Rover Mission

• Apollo 11

How did Katherine Johnson defy workplace segregation at NASA?

• By organizing protests

• By quitting her job

• By refusing to use segregated facilities

• By writing letters to the government

What honor was Katherine Johnson awarded in 2015?

• Congressional Gold Medal

• Pulitzer Prize

• Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Nobel Prize