Katherine Johnson was born in 1918 in West Virginia. From a very young age, she was fascinated by numbers and mathematics. She finished high school when she was just 14 years old and later became one of the first African American students to attend graduate school at West Virginia University. In 1953, Katherine began working at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which later became NASA. She was hired as a "computer"—a person who performed complex mathematical calculations before electronic computers existed. At that time, women and minorities faced many obstacles in the workplace, but Katherine’s expertise and accuracy made her stand out. Katherine contributed significantly to the United States’ early space missions. Her calculations helped launch the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, into space. Later, she played a vital role in John Glenn’s famous orbit around Earth. Glenn insisted that Katherine personally check the numbers before his flight because he trusted her abilities more than the new electronic computers. Despite discrimination and segregation, Katherine advanced in her career. She participated in missions to the moon, including Apollo 11, and helped ensure the astronauts’ safety. Throughout her life, Katherine Johnson broke barriers and demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and humility. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her contributions to science and space exploration. Katherine Johnson’s story proves that talent and determination can overcome prejudice and inspire future generations.
Vocabulary List
Here are some important words from the reading. Try to guess the meaning, then check the definitions.
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fascinated
Extremely interested or attracted by something."She was fascinated by numbers and mathematics."
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graduate school
A school for advanced studies after earning a college degree."She attended graduate school at West Virginia University."
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committee
A group of people chosen to do a particular job or make decisions."She worked at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics."
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calculation
A mathematical process to find an answer or solve a problem."She performed complex mathematical calculations for NASA."
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obstacle
Something that makes progress difficult; a barrier."She faced many obstacles in the workplace."
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accuracy
The quality of being correct and precise."Her accuracy made her stand out."
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significantly
In an important or noticeable way."She contributed significantly to early space missions."
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vital
Absolutely necessary or essential."She played a vital role in John Glenn’s orbit."
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trusted
Believed that someone is honest or reliable."Glenn trusted her abilities more than computers."
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discrimination
Unfair treatment of people based on gender, race, or other reasons."She experienced discrimination and segregation."
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segregation
The practice of keeping people of different races or groups apart."She faced segregation in her workplace."
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resilience
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness."She demonstrated resilience throughout her life."
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humility
A quality of being modest and not thinking you are better than others."She showed great humility despite her achievements."
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barrier
Something that blocks the way or makes it difficult to move forward."She broke barriers in science and society."
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prejudice
An unfair opinion or feeling, often without enough knowledge."She proved that talent can overcome prejudice."
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the reading.
- Why was Katherine Johnson considered a “computer”?
- How did her work help the first astronauts?
- What kinds of obstacles did Katherine face in her career?
- Why did John Glenn ask Katherine to check the numbers?
- Which personal qualities helped Katherine succeed?
- How is Katherine Johnson remembered today?