The Woman Of Hidden Figures Commonlit Answers

The story of the "Hidden Figures" women is a powerful testament to brilliance, perseverance, and the fight for equality in the face of adversity. These African American mathematicians, often overlooked in history, played a crucial role in the success of NASA's early space missions. Their contributions, brought to light by Margot Lee Shetterly's book and the subsequent film adaptation, continue to inspire generations. The CommonLit text centered around "Hidden Figures" often explores themes of racial discrimination, the power of education, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Understanding the Context: Segregation and Opportunity

To fully appreciate the significance of the "Hidden Figures" story, it’s vital to understand the socio-political landscape of the time. The United States, particularly the South, was deeply entrenched in segregation. Jim Crow laws enforced racial separation in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Despite these oppressive conditions, the desire for progress and the pursuit of education remained strong within the African American community.

• Segregation: Legal and social separation based on race, limiting opportunities for African Americans.
• Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.
• The Double V Campaign: A campaign during World War II that aimed to achieve victory against fascism abroad and victory against racial discrimination at home.

Amidst this backdrop of injustice, opportunities began to emerge during World War II and the subsequent Cold War. The need for skilled labor in defense industries and government agencies, including NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), opened doors for African Americans, albeit often in segregated roles.

The "Human Computers" at NACA/NASA

NACA, and later NASA, employed women as "computers," individuals who performed complex mathematical calculations. Among these were a group of talented African American women who worked in the segregated West Area Computing unit at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

These women, including Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, were highly skilled mathematicians who faced both racial and gender discrimination in their workplace. Despite these challenges, they consistently demonstrated their expertise and contributed significantly to critical projects.

• Katherine Johnson: A brilliant mathematician who performed trajectory analysis for Project Mercury and other crucial missions. Her calculations were so reliable that astronaut John Glenn specifically requested her to verify the computer's calculations before his historic orbit around the Earth.
• Dorothy Vaughan: A mathematician and NASA's first African American supervisor. She was a strong advocate for her team and recognized the importance of computer programming, teaching herself and her colleagues FORTRAN to prepare them for the transition to electronic computers.
• Mary Jackson: NASA's first African American female engineer. She had to fight for the right to attend engineering classes at a segregated high school to qualify for the role.

Key Contributions and Challenges

The "Hidden Figures" women contributed to numerous crucial projects, including:

• Aircraft Research: Performing calculations related to aircraft design and performance.
• Wind Tunnel Testing: Analyzing data from wind tunnel experiments to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
• Space Missions: Calculating trajectories, launch windows, and re-entry paths for manned spaceflights, including the Mercury and Apollo missions.

They faced numerous challenges, including:

• Segregation: Working in segregated facilities and being subjected to discriminatory practices.
• Lack of Recognition: Their contributions were often overlooked or minimized due to their race and gender.
• Limited Opportunities: They faced barriers to advancement and were often denied opportunities for training and leadership roles.

Analyzing Themes in "Hidden Figures" (CommonLit)

The CommonLit excerpts from "Hidden Figures" often focus on specific incidents or character interactions that highlight key themes. Here's how to analyze some common themes:

1. Racial Discrimination:

• Evidence: Look for passages describing segregated facilities, unequal treatment, and prejudiced attitudes.
• Analysis: Consider how these discriminatory practices affect the characters' opportunities, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. How do they respond to these challenges?

2. Perseverance and Resilience:

• Evidence: Identify instances where the characters overcome obstacles, demonstrate determination, and refuse to be discouraged.
• Analysis: Analyze how the characters' inner strength and support from their community enable them to persevere in the face of adversity. How do they maintain their dignity and ambition despite the obstacles they face?

3. The Power of Education:

• Evidence: Look for examples of the characters' dedication to learning, their academic achievements, and the importance of education in their lives.
• Analysis: Explore how education empowers the characters to challenge societal expectations, pursue their dreams, and contribute to scientific advancements. How does their education provide them with opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable?

4. Challenging Gender Roles:

• Evidence: Identify instances where the characters defy traditional gender roles and expectations.
• Analysis: Analyze how they navigate the male-dominated world of science and engineering and assert their competence and value. How do they balance their professional aspirations with the societal expectations placed upon women at the time?

5. The Importance of Mentorship and Community:

• Evidence: Look for examples of supportive relationships between the characters, mentorship, and the role of community in their lives.
• Analysis: Explore how these relationships provide encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Answering CommonLit Questions: A Strategic Approach

When answering CommonLit questions about "Hidden Figures," consider the following strategies:

1. Read the Passage Carefully: Pay close attention to the details, character interactions, and the author's tone.

2. Identify the Main Idea: What is the central message or theme of the passage?

3. Analyze the Question: What is the question asking you to do? Are you being asked to identify a theme, analyze a character's motivation, or make an inference?

4. Find Evidence in the Text: Support your answer with specific examples or quotations from the passage.

5. Explain Your Reasoning: Clearly explain how the evidence supports your answer.

Example Question:

• How does the author portray the challenges faced by African American women working at NASA during the Space Race? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Possible Answer:

The author portrays the challenges faced by African American women at NASA as a combination of racial and gender discrimination that created significant obstacles to their advancement. For example, the text mentions that they worked in segregated units, like the West Area Computing, highlighting the pervasive segregation of the time. The text also reveals that they were often overlooked for promotions and opportunities despite their exceptional skills. As the text states, "Despite their crucial role, these women were often not recognized for their contributions, their names lost in the pages of reports." This quote illustrates the systemic lack of recognition they faced. Furthermore, the text describes how they had to fight for the same opportunities as their white counterparts, such as Mary Jackson needing to petition the city to attend classes required for her engineering promotion. These challenges underscore the resilience and determination of these women, who persevered despite the discriminatory environment to make significant contributions to NASA’s success during the Space Race.

Connecting to Broader Themes: Civil Rights and Social Justice

The story of "Hidden Figures" resonates deeply with broader themes of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing struggle for social justice. It highlights the importance of:

• Challenging Systemic Inequality: Recognizing and dismantling the barriers that prevent marginalized groups from achieving their full potential.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
• Celebrating Unsung Heroes: Recognizing and honoring the contributions of those who have been historically overlooked.

The Lasting Legacy of "Hidden Figures"

The "Hidden Figures" story has had a profound impact, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields and to fight for equality and justice. It serves as a reminder that:

• Talent is Universal: Potential exists in all communities, regardless of race, gender, or background.
• Representation Matters: Seeing individuals from diverse backgrounds in leadership roles inspires others and creates a more inclusive society.
• Progress Requires Perseverance: Overcoming systemic inequality requires sustained effort, courage, and a commitment to justice.

The story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and the other "Hidden Figures" women is a testament to the power of human potential and the importance of fighting for a more just and equitable world. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Hidden Figures: Commonlit - Common Questions and Answers

1. What were the main challenges faced by the women in "Hidden Figures" at NASA?

The main challenges included racial and gender discrimination, segregation, lack of recognition for their contributions, and limited opportunities for advancement.

2. How did Dorothy Vaughan contribute to the success of the West Area Computing unit?

Dorothy Vaughan served as the supervisor of the West Area Computing unit and was instrumental in helping the women transition to using electronic computers by teaching herself and her team FORTRAN.

3. What was the significance of Katherine Johnson's role in John Glenn's orbit around the Earth?

John Glenn specifically requested that Katherine Johnson personally verify the computer's calculations before his historic orbit, demonstrating his trust in her mathematical abilities and underscoring the reliability and importance of her work.

4. How did Mary Jackson overcome obstacles to become NASA's first African American female engineer?

Mary Jackson had to petition the city to allow her to attend classes at a segregated high school, which were required for her to qualify for an engineering promotion.

5. How did the women of "Hidden Figures" contribute to the success of the Space Race?

The women performed critical mathematical calculations that were essential for the success of early space missions, including calculating trajectories, launch windows, and re-entry paths for manned spaceflights.

6. How does the book or film "Hidden Figures" address themes of racial and gender discrimination?

The book and film address these themes by depicting segregated workplaces, unequal treatment, and limited opportunities for the African American women at NASA, highlighting the pervasive discrimination they faced and how they overcame these obstacles.

7. What motivated the women in "Hidden Figures" to persevere despite facing significant challenges?

Their motivation stemmed from their dedication to their work, their desire to contribute to the nation's space program, their commitment to challenging societal expectations, and their unwavering belief in their own abilities.

8. How does the story of "Hidden Figures" relate to the broader Civil Rights Movement?

The story of "Hidden Figures" is closely tied to the Civil Rights Movement, illustrating the struggle for equality and justice faced by African Americans in the mid-20th century and highlighting the importance of challenging systemic inequality.

9. What is the lasting legacy of the women in "Hidden Figures"?

Their lasting legacy is one of inspiration, demonstrating the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and highlighting the contributions of those who have been historically overlooked. They serve as role models for future generations.

10. How does the Commonlit passage explore the themes of perseverance and resilience in "Hidden Figures"?

The Commonlit passage explores these themes by highlighting the specific challenges faced by the women, such as segregation and lack of recognition, and showcasing their determination to overcome these obstacles through education, hard work, and mutual support.

Conclusion

The story of the "Hidden Figures" is a powerful reminder of the talent and potential that exists within all communities, and the importance of creating a more just and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By understanding the historical context, analyzing the themes, and answering the CommonLit questions strategically, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of these remarkable women and their lasting legacy. Their story continues to inspire and motivate, demonstrating that with perseverance, education, and a commitment to justice, anything is possible.