Explore Katherine Johnson’s life and contributions to space exploration with this non-fiction reading comprehension pack for upper KS2 and KS3, Years 6–8. A two-page illustrated biography, differentiated questions and ready-to-print activities develop vocabulary, inference and evidence-based responses.

Pupils discover how Johnson’s mathematical expertise helped astronauts reach space and return safely. The text explores her education, the effects of segregation, her work as a human computer, and her career at NACA and NASA during the Space Race.

Clear explanations connect trajectory, gravity, orbit, navigation and rendezvous to the challenges of planning space missions. Examples include Alan Shepard’s Freedom 7 flight, John Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission and the Apollo programme. Alongside these achievements, pupils consider how curiosity, persistence, opportunity and teamwork shaped Johnson’s career.

What’s included

• Two-page illustrated biography: Johnson’s education, professional barriers, spaceflight calculations, recognition and legacy.
• Differentiated written comprehension: Two sets of 12 questions, with model answers. The lower set supports retrieval, explanation and straightforward inference; the higher set develops analysis and connections across the text.
• Mixed-format comprehension: Vocabulary matching, a 10-event sequencing task, two written responses, a comparison of three space missions and a short cloze.
• Multiple-choice assessment: 22 questions covering main ideas, details, vocabulary, inference, cause and effect, and significance.
• True/False quiz: 30 statements assessing factual understanding and interpretation.
• Summary cloze: 25 missing words with a shuffled word bank.
• Vocabulary matching activity: Key mathematical, scientific and historical terms.
• Crossword: With optional word-bank support.
• Word search: Reinforces essential vocabulary and spelling.

Complete answer keys and model responses included.

Classroom uses

Suitable for English comprehension, biography studies, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, women in STEM and space exploration topics. Use individual activities for guided reading, independent work, homework, revision or assessment.