This section introduces the movie Hidden Figures, highlighting the inspiring true story of three African-American women who played pivotal roles at NASA. The viewing guide provides a structured approach to analyzing the film, focusing on themes like racism, gender inequality, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It includes discussion questions, character analysis, and historical context to enhance understanding and engagement.
1.1 Overview of the Movie
Hidden Figures is a biographical drama film that tells the inspiring story of three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked at NASA during the early years of the Space Race. The movie, based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, highlights their groundbreaking contributions to the success of the Apollo 11 mission. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, the film explores themes of racism, gender inequality, and the pursuit of the American Dream, showcasing their resilience and brilliance in overcoming societal barriers.
1.2 Purpose of the Viewing Guide
This viewing guide is designed to enhance the educational experience of watching Hidden Figures, providing a structured framework for analysis and reflection. It includes discussion questions, character analysis, and historical context to deepen understanding of the film’s themes, such as racism, gender inequality, and the American Dream. The guide also offers comprehension questions and reflection activities to engage students and encourage critical thinking. By exploring the movie through this guide, viewers can gain insights into the contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, while connecting their stories to broader social and historical issues. The guide is adaptable for classroom or individual use, making it a versatile tool for learning and discussion.
Background Information
This section provides historical context about the real-life women of Hidden Figures and their contributions to NASA during the Space Race. It explores their challenges and triumphs, highlighting the societal barriers they overcame. The background also delves into the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, which inspired the film, offering insights into the untold stories of these trailblazing women.
2.1 The Real-Life Women of Hidden Figures
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were trailblazing African-American women who defied racial and gender barriers at NASA. Their exceptional math and engineering skills were instrumental in the success of the Space Race. Johnson’s precise calculations ensured astronaut John Glenn’s safe orbit, while Vaughan led the African-American women’s computing unit, and Jackson became NASA’s first female African-American engineer.
Their stories, often overlooked, highlight their resilience and groundbreaking achievements. They paved the way for future generations, inspiring diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Their legacy is a testament to determination and excellence in the face of systemic inequality.
2.2 The Book by Margot Lee Shetterly
Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, Hidden Figures, reveals the untold stories of African-American women who played crucial roles in NASA’s success during the Space Race. The book delves into the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, showcasing their mathematical brilliance and resilience in the face of racial and gender barriers. Shetterly’s work highlights their contributions to historic missions, including John Glenn’s orbit around Earth, and their enduring impact on NASA’s achievements.
By uncovering these hidden histories, the book not only honors their legacy but also sheds light on the broader struggle for equality in STEM fields during the 20th century.
Plot Summary
Hidden Figures tells the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African-American women overcoming racism and sexism at NASA during the Space Race.
3.1 Key Events and Scenes
The film opens with a young Katherine Johnson showcasing her mathematical genius. Key scenes include the car breakdown that introduces the protagonists, their struggles with segregated facilities, and Dorothy Vaughan’s determination to lead the African-American women in the computing division. Mary Jackson’s courtroom battle to attend engineering classes and Katherine’s pivotal role in the Apollo mission are highlighted. These moments underscore their resilience, talent, and contributions to NASA’s success, blending personal and professional challenges with historical significance.
3.2 The Opening Scene
The opening scene of Hidden Figures introduces Katherine Johnson as a child, showcasing her extraordinary mathematical abilities. The film then transitions to the three main characters—Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary—facing a car breakdown, highlighting their unity and determination. This scene sets the tone for the movie, emphasizing themes of racial and gender barriers while introducing the women’s resilience and camaraderie. It provides a glimpse into their daily struggles and their shared goal of overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness in a male-dominated field.
3.3 The Space Race Context
The film is set against the backdrop of the intense Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1950s and 1960s. This historical context underscores the urgency and pressure faced by NASA to achieve milestones like launching the first American into space. The Space Race not only drives the plot but also highlights the critical role of the women in ensuring the success of these missions. Their mathematical and engineering expertise becomes pivotal in overcoming the challenges posed by the race, showcasing their indispensable contributions to the nation’s efforts.
Character Analysis
This section delves into the personalities, strengths, and challenges of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, highlighting their resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles at NASA.
4.1 Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, is a brilliant mathematician and “computer” at NASA. Her exceptional talent for calculations makes her indispensable to the Space Task Group. Despite facing racism and sexism, Katherine’s determination and accuracy earn her respect. Her role in calculating trajectories for Alan Shepard’s historic flight showcases her genius. The film highlights her resilience in overcoming barriers, emphasizing her contribution to the success of the space race. Katherine’s story exemplifies courage and intellectual prowess, inspiring future generations to pursue STEM fields.
4.2 Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan, portrayed by Octavia Spencer, is a determined and resourceful supervisor at NASA. She leads the African-American women in the segregated West Computing Group, advocating for their recognition and promotions. Her leadership and mathematical skills are crucial to NASA’s success. Dorothy’s journey highlights her struggle for equality and her efforts to become a formal engineer. Despite systemic barriers, she inspires her team with her resilience and mentorship. Her character embodies strength, intelligence, and the fight for justice, making her a pivotal figure in the story of NASA’s hidden figures.
4.3 Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson, portrayed by Janelle Monáe, is a trailblazing engineer who challenges racial and gender barriers. Her journey to becoming NASA’s first African-American female engineer is a testament to her resilience and determination. Facing segregation and limited opportunities, Mary’s achievements inspire those around her, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and breaking stereotypes. Her story within Hidden Figures highlights the struggles faced by women in STEM and the impact of her contributions to NASA’s success and the broader fight for equality.
Thematic Analysis
Hidden Figures explores themes of racism, gender inequality, and the American Dream, highlighting the barriers faced by African-American women in STEM. Friendship and mentorship emerge as key drivers of resilience and success, showcasing the power of collective strength in overcoming systemic obstacles.
5.1 Racism and Inequality
Hidden Figures vividly portrays the pervasive racism and inequality faced by African-American women in 1960s NASA. The film highlights segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunities, emphasizing the barriers Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary encountered. Scenes such as Katherine’s long walks to the “colored” bathroom and the ladies’ struggles for recognition underscore systemic racism. The narrative also explores the emotional toll of inequality, showcasing their resilience and determination to overcome societal constraints. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the historical struggles faced by Black women in STEM and the importance of challenging oppressive systems.
5.2 Gender Inequality
Hidden Figures sheds light on the gender inequality faced by women in STEM during the 1960s. The film portrays the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, where women were often overlooked for promotions and excluded from key decision-making processes. Characters like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson exemplify the struggles of balancing professional ambitions with societal expectations of women. Their journeys highlight the barriers to career advancement and the stereotypes they faced, while also showcasing their resilience and determination to break gender norms and achieve recognition in their fields.
5.3 The American Dream
Hidden Figures embodies the American Dream through the journeys of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Despite systemic racism and gender barriers, these women pursued excellence in STEM fields, challenging societal norms. Their determination and talent enabled them to break down racial and gender walls, achieving personal and professional success. The film illustrates how their contributions to NASA’s success not only fulfilled their individual aspirations but also redefined the American Dream, making it more inclusive and inspiring future generations to strive for equality and opportunity.
5.4 Friendship and Mentorship
The film highlights the importance of friendship and mentorship among the three women. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson supported each other through challenges, fostering resilience and collective strength. Dorothy’s leadership and mentorship empowered her team, while Mary’s encouragement helped Katherine navigate NASA’s competitive environment. Their bond exemplified how camaraderie and mutual support can overcome racial and gender barriers. The film underscores the transformative power of these relationships, which not only sustained them personally but also contributed to their professional triumphs at NASA.
Discussion Questions
This section provides pre-viewing, during-viewing, and post-viewing questions to encourage critical thinking about the film’s themes, characters, and historical context, fostering deeper engagement and reflection.
6.1 Pre-Viewing Questions
These questions prepare students for the film by exploring their prior knowledge and beliefs. Examples include: What do you know about NASA’s role in the Space Race? How did society view women and minorities in STEM during the 1960s? What challenges might African-American women face in a predominantly white, male-dominated workplace? How do you think the term “hidden figures” reflects the lives of the women in this story? These questions encourage critical thinking and set the stage for analyzing the film’s themes and historical context.
6.2 During-Viewing Questions
During-viewing questions are designed to engage students actively while watching the film. Examples include: How do the characters respond to racial and gender barriers? How does the Space Race influence their work? What key decisions do the protagonists make, and why? Observing these elements helps students analyze the plot, character motivations, and thematic development. These questions encourage real-time critical thinking and connection to the movie’s historical and social context.
6.3 Post-Viewing Questions
Post-viewing questions encourage reflection and deeper analysis of the film’s themes and messages. Examples include: What was the most inspiring moment for you? How did the characters overcome discrimination? What role did friendship play in their success? Students are also asked to reflect on the film’s historical accuracy and its relevance to modern society. These questions help students synthesize their understanding of the movie, its characters, and its broader implications, fostering critical thinking and meaningful discussion about equality, perseverance, and the American Dream.
Historical Accuracy
Hidden Figures balances real-life events with artistic liberties, accurately portraying the achievements of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson while dramatizing some scenes for emotional impact.
7.1 Real Events vs. Hollywood Interpretation
The film Hidden Figures recreates the true stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson but takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. While the women’s achievements are accurately portrayed, some events were condensed or altered for storytelling. For instance, the character of Al Harrison is a composite figure, and the timeline of Katherine’s contributions to the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission is accelerated. Despite these adjustments, the film captures the essence of their struggles and triumphs, blending historical facts with Hollywood interpretation to inspire audiences while staying true to the spirit of their groundbreaking roles at NASA.
7.2 The Impact on NASA’s Success
Katherine Johnson’s precise calculations were pivotal in NASA’s Mercury and Apollo missions, ensuring astronaut safety and mission success. Mary Jackson’s engineering expertise and Dorothy Vaughan’s leadership in the computer division were instrumental in advancing NASA’s technological capabilities. Their contributions were essential during the Space Race, helping the U.S. achieve milestones like the Apollo 11 moon landing. The film underscores how their work not only supported NASA’s achievements but also paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields, leaving a lasting legacy in space exploration and scientific progress.
Educational Relevance
Katherine Johnson’s precise calculations were pivotal in NASA’s Mercury and Apollo missions, ensuring astronaut safety and mission success. Mary Jackson’s engineering expertise and Dorothy Vaughan’s leadership in the computer division were instrumental in advancing NASA’s technological capabilities. Their contributions were essential during the Space Race, helping the U.S. achieve milestones like the Apollo 11 moon landing. The film underscores how their work not only supported NASA’s achievements but also paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields, leaving a lasting legacy in space exploration and scientific progress.
8.1 Why Teach with Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures offers a compelling and inspiring narrative that aligns with educational goals, making it an ideal tool for classroom instruction. The film highlights the contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, providing a platform to discuss STEM careers, historical context, and social justice. It engages students with real-life heroines, fostering empathy and motivation. The viewing guide includes activities that enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, while encouraging discussions on race, gender, and the American Dream. Its cross-curricular relevance makes it a valuable resource for history, science, and English classes, promoting inclusivity and inspiring future leaders.
8.2 Curriculum Connections
Hidden Figures seamlessly integrates with various curricular areas, making it a versatile educational tool. In STEM, it highlights the real-life applications of mathematics and engineering, inspiring students to pursue careers in these fields. Historically, it connects to the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race, offering insights into the social and political context of the era. For language arts, the film encourages discussions on themes like equality and resilience, while character development aligns with social-emotional learning. Its cross-disciplinary relevance makes it an excellent resource for connecting math, science, history, and literature in a cohesive learning experience.
Cinematic Elements
The film’s uplifting soundtrack, vibrant visuals, and dynamic cinematography enhance its emotional and historical impact. These elements work together to bring the inspiring story to life authentically.
9.1 Music and Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, powerfully complements the narrative, blending emotional depth with uplifting melodies. The music enhances key scenes, amplifying the tension and triumph of the characters’ journeys. The Academy Award-winning song “Runnin'” by Pharrell Williams adds a modern touch, resonating with the themes of perseverance and equality. The score seamlessly integrates with the film’s historical context, capturing the spirit of the 1960s while highlighting the women’s groundbreaking achievements. Music plays a crucial role in elevating the emotional impact of the story, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
9.2 Visual and Cinematography
The film’s visual style and cinematography effectively capture the essence of the 1960s, blending vibrant colors with muted tones to reflect the contrasting realities of segregation and innovation. Close-ups emphasize the emotional depth of the characters, while wide shots highlight the grandeur of NASA’s facilities. The lighting subtly underscores the separation between the segregated workspaces and the main offices, visually reinforcing themes of inequality. The cinematography also focuses on the details of mathematical calculations and engineering designs, showcasing the precision and brilliance of the women’s work. These visual elements enhance the storytelling, making the historical narrative both authentic and engaging.
Additional Resources
Explore further reading, educational materials, and online resources to deepen your understanding of Hidden Figures. These include the original book, study guides, and historical archives.
10.1 Further Reading
For deeper insight, explore Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. This book provides a detailed account of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson’s contributions to NASA. Additional resources include educational guides, historical archives, and articles highlighting the women’s impact on the Space Race. These materials offer a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and the significance of their achievements, complementing the film and viewing guide.
10.2 Educational Materials
Educational materials for Hidden Figures include worksheets, quizzes, and teacher guides designed to enhance learning. Resources like discussion questions, comprehension exercises, and math problems tied to the film are available. These materials help students connect the movie’s themes to real-world issues. Many are tailored for middle and high school levels, aligning with curriculum goals. Additional tools, such as character analysis sheets and historical context guides, provide a well-rounded educational experience. These materials can be integrated into lessons during Black History Month or throughout the year to inspire and educate students about the film’s inspiring true story.
10;3 Online Resources
Online resources for Hidden Figures include downloadable PDF guides, discussion questions, and educational materials. Websites like Docsity offer extensive viewing guides with time-stamped sections and comprehension exercises. Teachers Pay Teachers provides quizzes, worksheets, and film study resources. Online platforms also feature video transcripts, character analysis charts, and historical context documents. These resources cater to both teachers and students, offering tools to enhance understanding and engagement. Many materials are available in multiple languages, supporting diverse learning needs. Online resources make it easy to integrate the film into curriculum plans and promote deeper analysis of its themes and historical significance.