Counting on Katherine
What’s inside...
Counting on Katherine is the bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race. As a child, Katherine loved to count everything and her curiosity and excitement for math drove her to become a gifted student. Her heroic accomplishments at NASA included calculating the course of moon landings, which not only contributed to the success of missions like Apollo 13 but also saved lives. Her story is one of a groundbreaking American woman who made significant contributions to history and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Katherine Johnson helped astronauts with her math skills?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to have a chance to study and work in their chosen field?
Can you think of a time when you worked hard to solve a problem like Katherine did? How did it feel to find the solution?
What can we learn from Katherine's story about pursuing dreams and facing challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they would feel in Katherine's situation, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the significance of perseverance and education in achieving goals, reinforcing these values in your child's daily activities.
Relate mathematical concepts in the book to real-life scenarios that your child encounters to make the learning experience relevant and engaging.
Highlight Katherine's character traits such as determination and intelligence to inspire your child to adopt or strengthen these qualities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Katherine Johnson's relentless determination to overcome racial and gender bias in her journey as a NASA mathematician is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving goals despite obstacles, which can encourage them to continue striving in their own educational pursuits and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: The story highlights Katherine’s deep love for mathematics and her pursuit of knowledge, leading her to make significant contributions to space missions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate and pursue their own studies, understanding the role education plays in unlocking life-changing opportunities.
Example Lesson: Equality and inclusion
Explanation: Katherine’s story showcases her breaking barriers in a field dominated by males and prevailing despite societal norms against women and African-Americans.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of treating everyone equally regardless of gender, race, or background, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book demonstrates how Katherine worked with other scientists and astronauts to achieve common goals, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others, respect different opinions, and value each person’s contribution in group settings like school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Katherine’s role in calculating complex trajectories and ensuring the safety of the missions emphasizes her problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for academic success and everyday decisions.