Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Nov. 29, 2023, 2:58 p.m.

The cutting-edge work of Native American aerospace engineer Mary Golda Ross

SUMMARY

As Native American Heritage Month comes to a close, for our “Hidden Histories” series, we look at the life and legacy of Mary Golda Ross, the first Native American woman to become an engineer and a pioneering figure of the space age.

For a transcript of this story, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM UP QUESTIONS:

  1. Who was Mary Golda Ross, and what is her background?
  2. Where did Mary Golda Ross grow up?
  3. What influenced Golda Ross's passion for education and engineering?
  4. When did Mary Golda Ross become the first Native American woman to earn a professional certification in engineering?
  5. Why was Mary Golda Ross considered a pioneering figure?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What do you think were the most inspiring achievements and innovations in Mary Golda Ross's engineering career?

Media literacy: How can you find out more about Native American Heritage Month?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — Did you know November is Native American Heritage Month? See the following video on what justice means for one Native American family. You can find a lesson on the story here.

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning. To sign up for Journalism in Action updates once a month, click here.

Recent Daily News Lessons

vote

Daily News Lesson

Monitoring the Midterms: What El-Sayed's primary win means for Democrats in November

A progressive epidemiologist from the suburbs of Detroit, El-Sayed will take on Republican Mike Rogers in November's general election

Wildfires burn in Washington state

Daily News Lesson

How AI cameras are detecting wildfires before they get out of control

Learn about the dangerous wildfire smoke blanketing wide regions of the U.S.

Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III poses with his President's Award backstage at the 48th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena

Daily News Lesson

Lonnie Bunch on how the Smithsonian can help America understand its identity

Learn about how the Smithsonian's director uses history for future learning

AP26211784719593-e1785787307814

Daily News Lesson

What we know about the cyberattacks on water systems in 7 states

Learn about the cyberattacks affecting water systems in states across the country

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward