Black Innovators in Technology
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Black Innovators in Technology
Four innovators, four different problems
Technology advances when people solve problems in new ways. These innovators worked in mathematics, computing, sound, and communications. Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) was a mathematician whose calculations helped NASA plan crewed spaceflight. In 1962, astronaut John Glenn orbited Earth. Johnson checked the calculations for the computer’s proposed orbital path before the flight. Her careful work helped the mission team trust its results. She was one of the Black women mathematicians known as “computers” at NASA and its earlier agency, NACA. Mark Dean (born 1957) is an engineer and computer scientist. At IBM, he helped design the original IBM personal computer, introduced in 1981. He also contributed to technology that let the computer connect to devices such as printers and monitors. His work helped make personal computers more useful and adaptable. James West (born 1931) is an inventor and electrical engineer. With Gerhard Sessler, he developed the electret microphone, a small, sensitive microphone that could be made affordably. This kind of microphone became common in phones, hearing aids, and many recording devices. West held dozens of patents during his career. Marian Croak (born 1955) is an engineer who helped develop voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP carries voice calls over internet networks rather than only through traditional telephone circuits. It supports services such as internet calling and video meetings. Croak holds many patents and has also worked to encourage more people to pursue careers in technology. Their stories show that technology is not just gadgets: it includes the mathematics behind a space mission, the design of a computer, the parts that capture sound, and the systems that connect people. Their contributions are distinct, but each helped shape tools and systems used in everyday life.
Read the evidence
Choose the best answer for each question.
- The computer’s proposed orbital-path calculations
- The design of the spacecraft’s microphone
- The code for internet video calls
- The parts list for the IBM personal computer
- Mark Dean’s work on computer connection technology
- Katherine Johnson’s orbital calculations
- James West’s microphone invention
- Marian Croak’s work on internet voice calls
- Katherine Johnson
- Mark Dean
- James West
- Marian Croak
- Helped design the original IBM personal computer
- Helped develop voice calls over internet networks
- Co-developed a small, sensitive electret microphone
- Checked calculations for a crewed spaceflight
Connect the ideas
Use details in the profiles to support your answers.
3 printable pages
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
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