'Counting on Katherine' and 'Hidden Figures' - Read and Rise
Since we just celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I thought it would be fitting to tie women in science into our Read and Rise theme of black history. Our focus today is on Katherine Johnson - technically she was a mathematician but given her work with NASA and invaluable contributions to getting rockets and men in orbit and onto the moon, I think she was a female STEM pioneer long before STEM was even a thing! Katherine actually passed away just about a year ago, at the age of 101! What an amazing life she lived, breaking down all kinds of barriers, for women and for people of color. She is and always will be an amazing role model and inspiration!
Featured story: "Counting on Katherine" by Helaine Becker
I'm including a second story which introduces children to Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden who also worked for NASA. This story is much longer than the first, so it may be suited for slightly older children.
"Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Activity: Just like Katherine, you can help get the rocket to the moon with this simple printable coding game! Click the link below to get your free printable.
Cardboard Mom Moon Mission Coding Game
If you want to explore coding a little further with your child, Research Parent has instructions on how to code a Lego maze with free printable coding cards. Or check out these websites with free coding lessons and games.
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