Jennifer Richards is an award-winning researcher and certified prosthetist-orthotist at the University of Michigan’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Center and enjoys bringing science to life. And that was an experience Maria wanted for her students.
“I’m passionate about education, and sometimes kids need something more exciting than just the curriculum,” Maria said.
Simple Machines, Big Lessons
Richards engaged young learners with an Engineering is Elementary lesson on simple machines.
“We're learning how simple machines make work easier,” Richards explained. “Students will explore inclined planes, carts with and without wheels, and pulley systems to see how these tools reduce the effort it takes to lift a load.”
Science wasn’t the only thing being taught. As students experimented, they practiced curiosity, perseverance, and respect, three core Moral Focus™ virtues that help them learn with purpose.
“I love that science teaches kids to think and question,” Richards said. “It builds precision and attention to detail skills they can use for life.”
Maria’s classroom is known for more than creative lessons. It reflects her belief that academic excellence and strong character go hand in hand.
Students rotated through science stations lifting, testing, and learning about inclined planes and pulleys.
For Richards, the goal is simple, inspire the next generation.
“What I hope they retain is that science is fun,” she said. “And maybe it’s something they’ll want to do for life.”
For Maria, the lesson reinforced exactly what she wants her students to feel every day, that school is a place where they are challenged and celebrated, and that learning is exciting.
About Ridge Park Charter Academy
Ridge Park Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Ridge Park Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.