Inspirational Women in STEM - Katherine Johnson

Welcome to the first post in a new series about inspirational women scientists. Throughout history, women have made huge contributions to science, technology, engineering, and maths but have often been overlooked. I’m going to highlight just a few of these pioneering women and share some simple science ideas related to their work.

The first scientist we’re going to learn about is the wonderful Katherine Johnson. Katherine’s work was mostly unrecognised until very late in her life. She opened doors and created pathways for women and people of colour in STEM fields, leaving behind the most incredible legacy.

At the bottom of this post is a FREE downloadable fact file and suggested activity related to Katherine Johnson’s work.

Who was Katherine Johnson?

Katherine Johnson was an African American physicist and mathematician.

She was the first African-American woman to attend graduate school at West Virginia University and is known for her work on the United States aeronautics and space programs.

Katherine was one of the NASA “human computers”. These were women mathematicians who performed calculations that allowed NASA, firstly, to put astronauts safely into orbit and then onto the Moon!

Katherine calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepherd’s 1961 space flight, and when computers were first used, it was Katherine who checked that their calculations were correct!

Katherine also worked on the space shuttle program and in the later part of her career spent time inspiring students to follow STEM Careers.

Katherine worked for NASA for over 30 years before retiring in 1986. She passed away in February 2020 at the age of 101.

Space Activity Ideas

Straw Rockets

Make a straw rocket to investigate how changing the launch angle of a straw rocket changes the flight trajectory.

A similar type of rocket can be made using foam and cardboard or a wider segment of straw sealed at one end.

Child pointing a straw rocket into the air. — Image taken from This IS Rocket Science

Space Camp

Create a DIY Space Camp with homemade rockets, stargazing, and lots more space-themed investigations. This is great fun to do over a few days during the summer holidays or when camping!

The NASA website has some brilliant ideas for activities related to Katherine Johnson that we can’t wait to try!

My book This IS Rocket Science contains 70 space themed science experiments perfect for learning about the incredible engineering and science needed for space travel.