If you’re a fan of biographical dramas, you’ve probably heard of the movie “Hidden Figures”. Released in 2016, this film tells the inspiring true story of a group of African-American women who worked at NASA in the 1960s, during the height of the Space Race. These women, whose contributions had long been overlooked, played a crucial role in the success of the space missions, but their story remained largely unknown until the release of this film.
Hidden Figures is not only an entertaining movie, but it also offers valuable insights into the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for equal rights and opportunities for African-Americans. The film highlights the challenges faced by these women, who had to overcome racial and gender discrimination in order to pursue their dreams and make significant contributions to the field of science and technology.
In this Hidden Figures viewing guide, you’ll find the answers to some of the questions that may arise while watching the film. This guide is designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and historical context of the movie. Whether you’re watching the film for educational purposes or simply for enjoyment, this answer key will provide you with the insights you need to fully appreciate the story of these remarkable women.
Hidden Figures Viewing Guide Answer Key
In the movie “Hidden Figures,” directed by Theodore Melfi, we are introduced to the incredible true story of three African-American women mathematicians who played a pivotal role at NASA during the early years of the space program. The film sheds light on their struggles and triumphs in a time of racial segregation and showcases their immense contributions to the field of aerospace engineering.
The hidden figures in question are Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Katherine, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, is a brilliant mathematician who becomes the first African-American woman to be part of the team calculating rocket trajectories. Dorothy, played by Octavia Spencer, is a talented mathematician and computer programmer who becomes the supervisor of the West Area Computers division within NASA. Mary, portrayed by Janelle Monáe, is an aspiring engineer who fights for the opportunity to pursue an engineering degree at a segregated school.
Answer Key
- Katherine G. Johnson
- Dorothy Vaughan
- Mary Jackson
The answer key to the viewing guide can be found below:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Who is the main character of the film? | Katherine G. Johnson |
| 2. Which character becomes the supervisor of the West Area Computers division within NASA? | Dorothy Vaughan |
| 3. Who fights for the opportunity to pursue an engineering degree at a segregated school? | Mary Jackson |
The movie “Hidden Figures” not only showcases the incredible achievements of these women, but also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the STEM fields. It serves as an inspiration for future generations and a reminder of the barriers that have been overcome in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.
Plot Summary
The film “Hidden Figures” is based on the true story of three African-American women who played pivotal roles in the early years of NASA’s space program. The story is set in the 1960s during the Cold War and the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The film follows the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who work as mathematicians and engineers at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, these remarkable women use their intelligence and perseverance to overcome the odds and make significant contributions to the success of NASA’s missions.
- Katherine Johnson is a brilliant mathematician who is assigned to the Space Task Group, where she calculates the trajectories for the early space missions. Her calculations are crucial to ensure the safe return of astronauts.
- Dorothy Vaughan is a talented mathematician and programmer who becomes the first African-American woman to lead a team at NASA. She teaches herself computer programming and becomes indispensable as NASA transitions from manual calculations to early computer systems.
- Mary Jackson is an aspiring engineer who fights for the opportunity to attend an all-white high school so she can take courses necessary for her career advancement. She faces numerous obstacles and legal challenges, but ultimately becomes NASA’s first African-American female engineer.
The film also depicts the racial tensions and prejudices of the era, highlighting the challenges these women face in a white male-dominated field. Despite the adversity they face, they persist and prove their worth, becoming instrumental in the success of NASA’s missions and ultimately helping to break down barriers for women and people of color in the scientific community.
Main Characters
The movie “Hidden Figures” revolves around the extraordinary lives of three African-American women who played pivotal roles in the early years of the NASA space program. These women shattered both racial and gender barriers to become unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement and pioneers in the field of mathematics and engineering.
Katherine G. Johnson
Katherine G. Johnson, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, is a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist. She possesses an exceptional mind for numbers and calculations, which leads her to become an invaluable asset to the NASA Space Task Group. Katherine faces numerous challenges and discrimination due to her race and gender, but her resilience and dedication to her work prove her worth. Her calculations are instrumental in the successful launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan, portrayed by Octavia Spencer, is a skilled mathematician and computer programmer. She is a natural leader and becomes the supervisor of the West Area Computing Unit, a team of African-American women computers at NASA. Dorothy is determined to secure better opportunities for herself and her team by learning how to operate the new IBM electronic computer and teaching her colleagues. Her efforts pave the way for their future success at NASA.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson, portrayed by Janelle Monáe, is a talented and ambitious engineer. Despite facing racial barriers and restrictions, Mary aspires to become an engineer at NASA and challenges the segregation and discrimination that inhibits her dreams. With the help of a supportive mentor, she takes legal action to attend night classes at an all-white school to obtain the necessary qualifications. Mary becomes the first African-American female engineer at NASA, breaking down yet another barrier for women of color in the field.
These three women, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, collectively known as the “Hidden Figures,” changed the course of history with their contributions to the space program. Their brilliance and determination paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in the STEM fields.
Historical Context
The film “Hidden Figures” is set in the early 1960s during a time of intense racial discrimination and segregation in the United States. African Americans faced limited opportunities for education and employment, particularly in the scientific and engineering fields. This oppressive backdrop is crucial for understanding the remarkable achievements of the film’s main characters, who were trailblazers in their respective fields.
One of the key historical events depicted in the film is the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, space exploration became a significant symbol of national power and prestige. The Soviet Union’s successful launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 shocked the American public and prompted the U.S. government to invest heavily in its own space program. This included the formation of NASA in 1958, with a mission to surpass the Soviet Union in space exploration.
The racial tensions and discrimination of the era are evident throughout the film. The African American characters face constant obstacles and prejudice in their pursuit of careers at NASA. They are subjected to segregated facilities, limited advancement opportunities, and are often overlooked and underestimated by their white colleagues. The film not only highlights the individual struggles of these women but also sheds light on the broader issues of racial inequality and the resilience of the African American community in the face of adversity.
Overall, “Hidden Figures” provides a glimpse into a tumultuous period of American history, highlighting the courage and perseverance of the women who played crucial roles in the success of NASA’s early space missions. Their story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against discrimination and the importance of inclusion and diversity in the pursuit of scientific knowledge and progress.
Themes and Messages
In the movie “Hidden Figures,” several important themes and messages are explored. One of the main themes is the power of perseverance and determination. Throughout the film, the three main characters, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, face numerous challenges and obstacles in their pursuit of equality and recognition in a predominantly white and male-dominated society. However, they refuse to give up and continue to work hard, proving that with determination, one can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Another significant theme in the movie is the importance of education and knowledge. The three main characters are highly intelligent and talented individuals who recognize the value of education and continuously strive to expand their knowledge and skills. Their intelligence and expertise in their respective fields ultimately enable them to make groundbreaking contributions to the field of space exploration.
Positive messages
- The importance of diversity and inclusion: “Hidden Figures” emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It showcases how the collaboration between people from different backgrounds and perspectives can lead to significant advancements.
- The significance of women’s contributions: The movie highlights the often overlooked contributions of women in history. It sheds light on the significant role played by Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson in the success of the NASA space program.
- Breaking down barriers: “Hidden Figures” sends a powerful message about breaking down societal barriers. The main characters challenge the racial and gender stereotypes of their time, proving that anyone, regardless of their race or gender, can achieve greatness.
Overall, “Hidden Figures” conveys important messages about perseverance, education, diversity, and breaking down barriers. It celebrates the achievements of Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson, while also highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of women and individuals from diverse backgrounds in the field of science and technology.
Key Scenes
In “Hidden Figures,” there are several key scenes that help to tell the story of the three African-American women who played pivotal roles in NASA’s space program. These scenes highlight the challenges they faced and the contributions they made.
1. The Bathroom Break Scene
One key scene in the movie is when Katherine Johnson, the main character, is on her way to the colored bathroom, which is located in a different building. She has to run in the rain to reach the bathroom, while her colleagues wait for her return. This scene illustrates the racial segregation and discrimination that African-Americans faced in the 1960s, even at a prestigious organization like NASA.
2. The John Glenn Launch Scene
Another key scene is the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space. Katherine Johnson plays a crucial role in calculating the trajectory for the mission, and her calculations are confirmed by the IBM mainframe computer. This scene showcases the importance of her work and the trust that the astronauts and NASA placed in her abilities. It also highlights the significance of her contributions in the successful completion of the mission.
3. The Courtroom Scene
A pivotal scene in the movie is the courtroom scene, where Dorothy Vaughan fights for equal rights and the opportunity for her and her team to continue working at NASA. She argues that they should be allowed to work in the new Space Task Group, despite not having the official required qualifications. This scene demonstrates her determination and advocacy for equal opportunities for African-American women in the workplace.
4. The End Credits Scene
The end credits scene in “Hidden Figures” is important as it shows photographs of the real-life women who inspired the movie’s story. This scene acknowledges the achievements of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, and serves as a reminder of their significant contributions to the space program. It also provides a sense of closure and recognition for these extraordinary women.
Overall, these key scenes in “Hidden Figures” help to highlight the struggles and triumphs of the three African-American women who played vital roles in NASA’s history. They shed light on their determination, intelligence, and resilience, and ultimately celebrate their invaluable contributions to the space program and American history.
Discussion Questions
1. How did the events portrayed in the film contribute to the advancement of the civil rights movement?
2. What challenges did the women face in their professional lives and how did they overcome them?
3. In what ways did the film highlight the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge?
4. Discuss the role of teamwork and collaboration in the success of the characters.
5. How did the film challenge stereotypes and traditional gender roles?
6. What impact did the accomplishments of these women have on future generations?
7. How did the film portray the relationship between race and opportunity in America during the 1960s?
8. Discuss the significance of the women’s perseverance and determination in achieving their goals.
9. What lessons can be learned from the experiences of the hidden figures?
10. Overall, what message do you think the film was trying to convey?
Summary
The film “Hidden Figures” tells the inspiring true story of three African-American women who made significant contributions to the space race and the civil rights movement. Through their perseverance, intelligence, and determination, they overcame numerous obstacles and shattered stereotypes, paving the way for future generations. The film emphasizes the importance of education, teamwork, and the pursuit of knowledge. It also highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing opportunities and emphasizes the need for social progress and equality. “Hidden Figures” serves as a powerful reminder of the untold stories and hidden figures who played crucial roles in shaping history.