Hidden Figures Movie Worksheet: Engaging Activities & Insights
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The movie "Hidden Figures" has captivated audiences with its inspiring portrayal of three African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles in NASA during the Space Race. Their untold story reflects themes of perseverance, equality, and intelligence, making it an excellent subject for educational activities. Below, we explore a variety of engaging worksheets and activities designed to deepen understanding and promote discussion surrounding the movie and its themes. 🚀
Overview of "Hidden Figures"
"Hidden Figures" highlights the contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who worked behind the scenes at NASA during the 1960s. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, these women demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. Their contributions were vital for the success of early space missions, including John Glenn’s historic orbital flight.
Key Themes
- Perseverance: The characters in "Hidden Figures" faced numerous obstacles but continued to fight for their rights and recognition.
- Empowerment: The film underscores the importance of self-belief and empowerment, particularly for women and minorities.
- Teamwork: Collaboration is essential, and the film highlights how the three women supported each other.
- Education and Knowledge: Education played a significant role in their achievements, emphasizing the power of knowledge.
Engaging Worksheets & Activities
Creating engaging worksheets can help students grasp the film's themes while enhancing their critical thinking and discussion skills.
Character Analysis Worksheet
Purpose: This activity encourages students to analyze the main characters' traits, motivations, and growth throughout the film.
| Character | Traits | Motivation | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katherine Johnson | Intelligent, Determined | To prove her worth at NASA | Gained confidence and recognition |
| Dorothy Vaughan | Resourceful, Innovative | To secure a promotion and lead a team | Became NASA's first black supervisor |
| Mary Jackson | Bold, Tenacious | To become an engineer | Overcame barriers to pursue her dreams |
Discussion Questions
Purpose: Facilitate class discussions and reflections based on the film's content.
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What challenges did the women face, and how did they overcome them?
Note: Encourage students to relate these challenges to modern societal issues. -
How did the support among the women influence their success?
Note: This encourages discussions on teamwork and friendship. -
What does the film teach us about the importance of diversity in the workplace?
Note: Aim for students to connect this to today's conversations about inclusion.
Creative Writing Prompt
Purpose: Students will explore character perspective and creative expression.
Prompt: "Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the main characters on the day of John Glenn's flight. What thoughts and emotions would they experience?"
Timeline Activity
Purpose: This timeline exercise enables students to visualize the major events in the film and the historical context of the Space Race.
- Instructions: Create a timeline from the early 1960s to the first moon landing in 1969. Include key events from both the film and actual NASA milestones.
<table> <tr> <th>Year</th> <th>Event</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1961</td> <td>John Glenn’s orbital flight</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1962</td> <td>Katherine Johnson calculates trajectories for space missions</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1963</td> <td>Mary Jackson becomes NASA's first female black engineer</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1969</td> <td>Apollo 11 Moon landing</td> </tr> </table>
Group Project: Presentations on the Impact of the Space Race
Purpose: This activity encourages collaboration and research skills.
- Instructions: In groups, students will research various aspects of the Space Race, including technological advancements, significant figures, and cultural impacts. Each group will present their findings, connecting their topic back to the themes present in "Hidden Figures."
Insights and Reflection
After engaging in these activities, students should reflect on the following:
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The role of women and minorities in STEM fields: How can we ensure that their stories are told and recognized?
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Lessons learned from the past: What can we apply from the experiences of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary to current social issues?
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Personal growth: How have your views on perseverance and empowerment changed after watching "Hidden Figures"?
Conclusion
"Hidden Figures" offers an incredible narrative about courage, intelligence, and the fight for equality. By utilizing worksheets and engaging activities, educators can create a comprehensive learning experience that resonates with students and emphasizes the importance of diversity, teamwork, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through discussions, creative writing, and collaborative projects, students can gain insights not only about the film but also about the ongoing relevance of these themes in today’s world. Let's empower the next generation to continue breaking barriers in the STEM fields! 🌟