Have students learn and be inspired by Katherine Johnson, born August 26, 1918, using this multimedia lesson plan. Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician who worked as an aerospace technologist for NASA and was the first woman in her division to have her name on a report. In 1962, astronaut John Glenn wouldn't begin his orbit around the moon without Johnson first checking all computer calculations by hand: "If she says they're good, then I'm ready to go." Katherine Johnson was one of the three black women scientists featured in the film Hidden Figures. 

Students learn about Margot Shetterly, the author of Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. By reading her story, students will learn more about the true story of four African-American Women who helped launch our nation into space and how Margot Shetterly was inspired to write about these women. Who are your students science heroes? 

Link: Margot Shetterly:Shining a Light on Hidden Figures.

Students learn more about featured scientists and environmentalists using this curated library of stories. Each story has text with an audio link which allows students listen to stories and read along with the text for enriched learning, differentiated instruction and ESL students. 

Enhance science curriculum and student learning with the MY HERO Gallery of art about scientists. Students are welcome to submit their own artwork about scientist heroes through the Create program. 

Learn about heroes in science through MY HERO's curated science stories organized by grade level. MY HERO welcomes new science hero story submissions by your students through our Create program. 

Enhance science curriculum and student learning by using MY HERO's curated science films. 

MY HERO is looking for students to share their Essays, Films and Art about people using science to make a positive change in the world through our Create program.