Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani (2020) — Worksheet, Answer Key & Google Forms Quiz

Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani (2020) — fill-in-the-blank documentary worksheet for Math grades 9-12

A one-period fill-in-the-blank worksheet for Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani (2020), plus answer key. The film follows Maryam Mirzakhani from her school years in Iran to Harvard and Stanford, and explains the work on the geometry of surfaces that made her, in 2014, the first woman to win the Fields Medal. Designed to be completed during the film's 60-minute runtime. Print, hand out, and you're set. Ready as a no-prep sub plan, emergency sub plan, or movie-day lesson.

A strong pick for Women's History Month in March: the film tells the story of Maryam Mirzakhani, who in 2014 became the first woman to win the Fields Medal, the top prize in mathematics.

  • Worksheet: 1 page, 15 fill-in-the-blank questions in transcript order

  • Answer key: 1 page, simple numbered list

  • 60-minute runtime — fits one class period

  • PDF format, two-sided printable, low-ink

  • Math, grades 9-12

  • A self-grading Google Forms quiz - auto-graded the moment students submit

  • Multiple choice, built from the same questions as the printable worksheet

  • Assign paperless through Google Classroom, or by link - works on any device

  • One-click access: the last page of the PDF carries a "make a copy" link that copies the quiz straight into your own Google Drive

  • Use the printable worksheet, the digital quiz, or both

ALSO WORKS FOR

  • Emergency sub plans - leave the film and this worksheet; a sub needs no prep and no subject knowledge.

  • First week of school - a low-stakes, self-contained assignment while routines are still settling.

  • Movie day with accountability - students have something to complete while the documentary runs.

  • No-prep days - print and go, or assign the PDF digitally.

WHERE TO WATCH

Secrets of the Surface streams free on Kanopy with a library card, and on PBS and member stations such as KQED (free with ads). Streaming lineups change, so check your own access before you plan the lesson.

Preview of Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani (2020) worksheet — fill-in-the-blank documentary worksheet for Math

Part of the Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani (2020) worksheet set from Response Resources.