Katherine Johnson: A Human Computer's Story
Explore the life and achievements of Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician who helped NASA put astronauts in space, with this Grade 4 worksheet.
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Katherine Johnson: A Human Computer's Story
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Read about Katherine Johnson and answer the questions below.
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant African American mathematician who worked for NASA. She was known as a "human computer" because she was incredibly good at math and could calculate complex numbers faster and more accurately than the early computers. Her calculations were critical for the success of many space missions, including the first American in space, Alan Shepard, and the first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn. Her work helped to ensure the safety of astronauts and played a huge role in the United States winning the Space Race.
1. What was Katherine Johnson known as?
A space engineer
A human computer
An astronaut
A writer
2. Which organization did Katherine Johnson work for?
FBI
NASA
CIA
The White House
3. Katherine Johnson's calculations were critical for the success of many missions.
4. She helped the United States win the .
5. Katherine Johnson was not good at math.
True
False
6. Her work helped send the first American to orbit the Earth.
True
False
7. Why was Katherine Johnson's work important for the safety of astronauts?