Activity 1 Katherine Johnson's life

This video is a support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUgf9n9w8qg​

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician, played a critical rol at NASA during the early years of the U.S.space program.Her calculation of orbital mechanics were essential to the succes of the first and subsequent U.S.manned spaceflights. Here are some classroom activities designed to inspire students through Katherine Johnson's legacy and contribution to STEM.

Activity 1 : Biography and timeline project

Objective: 

To analyze Katherine Johnson's life and contribution to NASA and space exploration.

To develop research and presentation skills.

Instructions:

Begin with a brief lesson on who Katherine Johnson was and her role at NASA.

Research work:

Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of Katherine's Johnson life  focusing on her early life, education, career at NASA and major achievements.

Each group will research their assigned topic using books, articles and videos.

Students will create a timeline or short presentation (slide show, poster or video) to share their findings with the class. 

Hold a Q&A session after the presentations to reinforce learning.

Display the timelines or the posters around the classroom or school hallways.

Conduct a gallery walk where students can view and learn from each timeline or poster, followed by a discussion on how Katherine johnson overcame challenges and made her mark on STEM.

Activity 2: STEM and society - Writing a letter to Katherine Johnson

Objective:

To reflect on Katherine Johnson's inluence on STEM and society

To develop persuasive and reflective writing skills

Instructions:

Ask students to write a letter to Katherine Johnson (as she were still alive) expressing how her story inspires them.

Encourage them to discuss how her achievements impact their views on education, diversity and perseverance in STEM.

Select a few letters to be read aloud in class and discuss the themes that emerge.

Conclude with a discussion on the importance of representation in STEM carrers.