No Prep Plans | People Who Shaped America: Virginia | Katherine Johnson

No Prep Plans | People Who Shaped America: Virginia | Katherine Johnson Hall of Fame Museum Exhibit | Grades 4–8

Bring Virginia history, STEM, and the Space Race together with this Katherine Johnson Hall of Fame Museum Exhibit Research + Group Project! Students investigate the remarkable life and work of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson before using their research to design a creative museum exhibit honoring her achievements.

Students explore Johnson’s extraordinary mathematical abilities, her work as a “human computer,” her calculations for America’s early space program, and the trust she earned from astronaut John Glenn. They also examine her contributions to the Apollo missions and the racial and gender barriers she faced while building her career during an era of segregation and discrimination.

Designed for Grades 4–8, this no-prep lesson is perfect for Virginia history, American history, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, the Space Race, STEM connections, biography studies, enrichment, or project-based learning.

PART OF THE PEOPLE WHO SHAPED AMERICA SERIES
This resource is part of the People Who Shaped America: Virginia series—a collection of research + group project lessons exploring individuals connected to Virginia who influenced American history.
Each lesson combines accessible historical research with a creative project that asks students to understand the person, plan a meaningful product, and dig deeper into the historical significance of their accomplishments and legacy.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Teacher Directions
- Katherine Johnson Historical Overview
- Mini Research Questions
- Group Project Directions
- Student Worksheets
- Color and Black-and-White Student Pages

SKILLS PRACTICED
✓ Historical & biographical research
✓ Critical thinking & evidence-based reasoning
✓ Historical significance & context
✓ STEM and history connections
✓ Collaboration & creative planning
✓ Visual communication & presentation

WHY TEACHERS LOVE IT
✓ No prep and classroom ready
✓ Fits 1–2 class periods of 45–60 minutes each
✓ Combines history with meaningful STEM connections
✓ Goes beyond a traditional biography worksheet
✓ Includes research, exhibit planning, and deeper historical analysis
✓ Explores Johnson’s achievements as well as the barriers she faced
✓ Includes color and printer-friendly black-and-white student pages

Recommended for Grades 4–8

Perfect for Virginia History • Katherine Johnson • NASA • Space Race • Women in STEM • Black History Month • Women’s History Month • African American History • Mathematics • Science • U.S. History • Biography Studies • People Who Shaped America • Research Projects • Museum Projects • Project-Based Learning • Social Studies Enrichment