Hidden Figures Movie Guide Answer Key

Hidden Figures Movie Guide Answer Key: A Deep Dive into History and STEM

The movie "Hidden Figures" shines a light on the extraordinary contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—brilliant African-American women who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. This comprehensive guide provides answers to common movie guide questions, delves deeper into the historical context, and explores the enduring legacy of these remarkable figures. This guide is designed to be both informative and engaging, perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about this important chapter in American history.

Understanding the Movie's Narrative: Key Themes and Characters

"Hidden Figures" is more than just a historical drama; it's a powerful story about overcoming prejudice, achieving excellence, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. The film masterfully weaves together the personal struggles and triumphs of its three central characters against the backdrop of the burgeoning Space Race.

Katherine Johnson: The Mathematician's Genius

Answer Key Question (Example): What specific contribution did Katherine Johnson make to the space program?

Answer: Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories for Project Mercury and the Apollo missions, her precise calculations being critical for the success of these missions. Her work was instrumental in ensuring the safe return of astronauts, contributing directly to America's success in the Space Race. She was a human "computer" before the advent of digital computers.

Further Exploration: Beyond the movie's portrayal, research Katherine Johnson's extensive work on orbital mechanics and her contributions to the development of the Space Shuttle program. Consider her role in transitioning from manual calculations to utilizing early computer technology.

Dorothy Vaughan: The Supervisor's Leadership

Answer Key Question (Example): How did Dorothy Vaughan demonstrate her leadership skills?

Answer: Dorothy Vaughan, a supervisor in the West Area Computing section, displayed remarkable leadership by recognizing the coming shift to digital computers. She proactively learned FORTRAN programming, retraining her team and ensuring their relevance and continued employment in the face of technological change. This act showcased her foresight and dedication to her team's success.

Further Exploration: Research the role of women in early computing and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated field. Investigate the systemic discrimination Dorothy faced and how she overcame it through her skills and resilience.

Mary Jackson: The Engineer's Perseverance

Answer Key Question (Example): What obstacles did Mary Jackson face in her pursuit of becoming NASA's first black female engineer?

Answer: Mary Jackson faced significant legal and societal obstacles in her quest to become an engineer. She had to fight for the right to attend the segregated graduate engineering program at Hampton University's graduate level and navigate systemic racism within NASA's structure. This demonstrates the courage required to break barriers and create opportunities for future generations.

Further Exploration: Analyze the legal battles Mary Jackson might have faced, and the lasting impact of her fight for equal opportunity in STEM fields. Consider her contribution to NASA's engineering department and the legacy she created for future female engineers of color.

Beyond the Screen: Historical Context and Deeper Insights

The "Hidden Figures" movie provides a compelling narrative, but it's crucial to delve deeper into the historical context to fully appreciate the complexities and nuances of this era.

The Space Race and Cold War Tensions

The Space Race was not simply a scientific competition; it was a manifestation of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Each nation sought to demonstrate its technological superiority, and the achievements of NASA—in which Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary played vital roles—were crucial in this global power struggle. Understanding this context adds another layer of significance to their accomplishments.

Segregation and Systemic Racism in the United States

The film powerfully portrays the pervasive racism and segregation that African-Americans faced in the 1960s. While the movie highlights the progress made by Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, it’s important to acknowledge the pervasive and persistent systemic injustices of the time. Their achievements were all the more remarkable in light of the significant obstacles they overcame.

The Role of Women in STEM during the 20th Century

The "Hidden Figures" movie brings into sharp focus the underrepresentation of women, especially women of color, in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Their contributions were often overlooked, and their talents were underutilized. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in STEM.

The Evolution of Computing Technology

The shift from human "computers" to electronic computers is a critical aspect of the film's narrative. It illustrates how technological advancements impacted the roles of these women and the challenges they faced in adapting to these changes. Understanding the history of computing, from mechanical calculators to early electronic computers, enriches one's appreciation of their contributions.

Answer Key to Common Movie Guide Questions: A Comprehensive List

This section provides answers to a broad range of potential movie guide questions, covering various aspects of the film.

Character Focused Questions:

• What were the individual strengths of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary? Katherine possessed exceptional mathematical skills and an unwavering focus; Dorothy showed strong leadership, foresight, and resilience; Mary possessed determination, a fierce intellect, and a commitment to breaking barriers.

• How did each woman contribute to NASA's success? Katherine performed critical trajectory calculations; Dorothy led her team through the transition to electronic computers; Mary became NASA's first black female engineer, paving the way for others.

• What were the biggest challenges faced by each of the women? Katherine faced prejudice and isolation due to her race and gender; Dorothy encountered both racial and gender discrimination in a changing workplace; Mary fought to overcome legal and societal barriers to pursue her engineering career.

• How did each woman inspire others? Katherine inspired generations of mathematicians and scientists; Dorothy mentored her team and ensured their continued success in a changing work environment; Mary served as a role model for women of color aspiring to engineering careers.

Historical Context Questions:

• What was the significance of the Space Race? It was a key component of the Cold War, showcasing technological prowess and national pride.

• What was segregation like in the United States at the time? Segregation was pervasive and resulted in systemic discrimination in education, employment, and public life.

• How did technological advancements affect the roles of human computers? Electronic computers replaced human computers, leading to job displacement and the need for retraining.

• What was the significance of the Civil Rights Movement? It was a pivotal period in American history, fighting for racial equality and challenging discriminatory practices.

• What were the societal expectations of women in the 1960s? Society largely expected women to occupy domestic roles, limiting their opportunities in professional and educational fields.

Themes and Messages:

• What are the main themes of the movie? Overcoming prejudice, achieving excellence, the importance of teamwork, the pursuit of dreams despite adversity.

• What message does the movie convey about diversity and inclusion? It highlights the importance of diversity in STEM fields and the positive contributions that individuals from underrepresented groups can make.

• How did the film depict the struggle for racial equality? The film depicted the subtle and overt forms of racism faced by these women, showing the ongoing fight for equal opportunity.

• What is the legacy of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary? They left a legacy of scientific achievement, leadership, and inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams.

Expanding Your Knowledge: Further Research and Resources

This movie guide offers a starting point for a deeper exploration of the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and the historical context in which their achievements unfolded. Encourage further research using reputable sources, such as biographies, historical archives, and academic journals. The enduring power of their story extends beyond the film, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance. Their perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equitable future.