Women of Color in STEM History

The video summarizes 'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly, highlighting the contributions of African-American women mathematicians at NASA during the space race. It focuses on Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson, who overcame racial and gender barriers to make significant contributions to American space exploration. The video also discusses the broader social and technological changes of the era.

What is the main focus of the book 'Hidden Figures'?

• The story of the first moon landing

• The untold story of black women who contributed to the space race

• The biography of Neil Armstrong

• The history of NASA's technological advancements

What role did African-American women play at Langley during World War II?

• They were astronauts

• They were 'human computers' performing complex calculations

• They were engineers

• They were pilots

What was Dorothy Vaughan's profession before joining Langley?

• Pilot

• Scientist

• Math teacher

• Engineer

How did Dorothy Vaughan's career progress at Langley?

• She left Langley after a year

• She became a pilot

• She was promoted to the acting head of her unit

• She became an astronaut

What significant contribution did Catherine Johnson make during the Friendship Seven mission?

• She was the mission commander

• She piloted the spacecraft

• She designed the spacecraft

• She verified the calculations for the mission

What challenge did Catherine Johnson face despite her contributions?

• Inability to work on important projects

• Being transferred to another department

• Difficulty in getting the pay she deserved

• Lack of recognition

What societal changes were occurring during the time of the space race?

• Major steps forward in civil rights

• The start of the Industrial Revolution

• The beginning of the Cold War

• The end of World War II

How did the introduction of computers at Langley affect the 'human computers'?

• They became astronauts

• There was uncertainty about their job security

• They were promoted to engineers

• They were all laid off

What was the impact of the civil rights movement on the workplace at Langley?

• It led to the closure of Langley

• It challenged the status quo and promoted equality

• It reinforced segregation

• It had no impact

What legacy did the women in 'Hidden Figures' leave behind?

• They were forgotten by history

• They became famous astronauts

• They were known for their artistic contributions

• They paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM