Hidden Figures Movie Guide (PG - 2016)

This Hidden Figures Movie Guide (PG – 2016) challenges students to think critically about themes like equality, courage, and the importance of acknowledging hidden contributions. Explore the lives of Katherine, Mary, and Dorothy as they battle racial and gender biases to contribute to NASA’s success. Engage in conversations about how these women demonstrated extraordinary courage, dignity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Consider how they served as unsung heroes in NASA’s history, opening up discussions about the need for recognition of overlooked contributions in scientific fields. Reflect on the impact of their work, not only in the successful space missions but also as role models inspiring the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and leaders.

Check the thumbnails for high resolution sample questions to see if this movie guide is suitable for your students. This resource consists of 14 high-level, short answer reflection and essay questions that will do more than just ask your students to regurgitate information.

This resource is meant to supplement the viewing of the film on IMDb. See the Parents Guide for content details.

Hidden Figures Movie Guide for the Classroom | Quick Facts

Movie Plot (for teachers)

Three Black women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—push past segregation to keep NASA’s space program on course. It blends data‑driven problem solving with workplace equity, ideal for cross‑curricular prompts that mix STEM reasoning with civics.

Teacher Guidance

1. Print one guide per student and preview the next question before resuming playback.
2. Use designated pause points to analyze rhetoric, audience, and media framing.
3. Encourage debate and collaboration; require cite‑and‑explain responses—discourage copying.
4. Rewind key scenes to model close viewing and evidence gathering.

What’s Included

• Student movie guide (PDF print)
• Google Slides version (make-a-copy link)
• Answer Key
• CCSS alignment one-pager (PDF, 1 page)

Need a movie permission slip? Download the free editable template.

This movie guide is included in two different film elective full-year curriculums:

• Film Studies & Movie Analysis Curriculum — A lighter, plug-and-play sequence of mainstream (mostly G–PG-13) films with strong subtitles that are easy to stream on Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video—ideal for mixed-readiness, intro classes.

-AND-

• The Civil Rights Film Studies Unit – A Standalone 5 week curriculum to integrate into a film analysis elective or any upper middle school or high school Social Studies/Government Curriculum.

This independent educational resource is not affiliated with or endorsed by the film’s producers or distributors. Teachers are responsible for previewing content to ensure suitability for their students.