Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician
What’s inside...
A picture book biography of Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who worked at NASA and was one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA mathematician. The book tells the story of Katherine's childhood, her love of math, and her determination to succeed. It also highlights her contributions to the space program and her work on the team that calculated the trajectory for the first American in space, Alan Shepard. The book includes an author's note and additional information about Katherine Johnson's life and career. The illustrated biography by award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome and acclaimed illustrator Raúl Colón, showcases Katherine's work as a 'human computer' at NASA during the early 1950s under Virginia’s Jim Crow laws. In 1962, she played a pivotal role in John Glenn's orbital mission by manually calculating the complexities of the flight, earning the trust of the astronaut who insisted on her calculations. Katherine Johnson's remarkable achievements were recognized when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, and her story inspired the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures.
Discussion points
Why do you think Katherine Johnson loved math so much, and how did it help her become a hero at NASA?
What challenges did Katherine face, and how did she overcome them?
How did Katherine's work make a difference in the space missions?
What qualities do you admire most about Katherine Johnson?
If you could ask Katherine Johnson one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing what you found most inspiring about Katherine Johnson’s story to create an open atmosphere.
Encourage your child to think about how they use math in their daily lives and how it can be a tool to solve problems, just like it was for Katherine.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and ask your child about a time they had to keep trying even when something was difficult.
Connect the story to current events by discussing modern-day figures who are also breaking barriers in their fields.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The story showcases Katherine Johnson's journey of overcoming racial and gender barriers to become a pivotal figure at NASA.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of determination and hard work in achieving goals, inspiring them to persist despite challenges in their studies or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Katherine's thirst for knowledge and her exceptional skills in mathematics are highlighted as key factors in her achievements.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their education and see how learning can open doors to exciting career opportunities and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Equality and overcoming discrimination
Explanation: Katherine's story emphasizes her triumphs amidst the prevalent racial and gender prejudices during her time.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of equality and inspires them to stand against discrimination and support inclusivity in their communities.
Example Lesson: Contributions of women in STEM
Explanation: The book celebrates Katherine Johnson as an influential figure in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Real-World Application: It highlights the impact of women in STEM fields, encouraging girls particularly to pursue their interests in these areas and envision themselves in similar roles.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Katherine's success at NASA was also due to her ability to work well with others, including astronauts and fellow mathematicians.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of teamwork and how collaborating with others can lead to achieving greater outcomes, applicable in school projects and group activities.