Question

part 3: film & reality – decision making at nasa
choose one prompt:
option a: multiple choice + justification
circle the best answer and explain why in 2–3 sentences.
nasa is portrayed primarily as:
a. a flawless, all - knowing organization
b. a rigid bureaucracy that slows progress
c. a collaborative problem - solving machine that improves through failure
d. a background setting rather than a character
explain your choice using both films.

option b: ranking activity
rank the following from most important to least important in solving nasas problems in the films.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the portrayal of NASA in films (e.g., Hidden Figures and The Martian):

Option A Analysis:

NASA is not portrayed as “flawless” or “all - knowing.” In Hidden Figures, there were internal biases and challenges, and in The Martian, mistakes (like the storm that stranded Mark Watney) showed imperfection. So A is incorrect.

Option B Analysis:

NASA is not a “rigid bureaucracy slowing progress.” In both films, teams worked efficiently to solve crises (e.g., calculating orbits in Hidden Figures, rescuing Watney in The Martian), showing adaptability, not rigidity. So B is incorrect.

Option C Analysis:

In Hidden Figures, NASA teams collaborated (e.g., Katherine Johnson working with others) and learned from past biases. In The Martian, NASA learned from the initial mission failure to mount a rescue, emphasizing collaboration and growth through failure. This matches “a collaborative problem - solving machine that improves through failure.”

Option D Analysis:

NASA is a central “character” (driving plot, making decisions) in both films, not just a background setting. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. A collaborative problem - solving machine that improves through failure