It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Emma "Super" Smith, winner of this year's Utah Science Teacher Association "Outstanding Physics Educator!" Super Smith balances rigorous physics and astronomy courses with her dry sense of humor and engaging group activities. Bardett Bagley, Ridgeline High School's principal, was quick to sing her praises. “Super has such a passion for science and anything space-related. She really lights up when you mention NASA. I know the kids feel this same passion from her,” he said.
Smith’s work is acclaimed far beyond our district, where she collaborates frequently with astronomers and researchers worldwide. In one memorable lesson, she connected her astronomy class with astronauts at the International Space Station, who shared some of their work and answered student questions. Smith has also presented a lecture for the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., the highest scientific authority in the country and one of the most prestigious in the world.
Despite her impressive resume, Super Smith is down-to-earth and known throughout the district for her dazzling classroom display of NASA and Superman memorabilia. Highlights include signed photos of various actors who have played the “Man of Steel,” patches from dozens of NASA missions, and floor-to-ceiling shelves of Superman knick-knacks, comic books, and figurines.
Smith's students at Ridgeline High School also love that she peppers frequent "interesting factoids" into her rigorous science lessons. She has high expectations for students, which she examines through “Celebrations of Knowledge” (tests), but she also believes firmly in the benefits of adding fun and variety to classroom content. “We want them to learn,” Smith said. “And if we want them to sit in a classroom all day, we should give them something interesting to see and do!”
A recent class activity involved creating a survival kit for aliens visiting the Earth, a project that inspired great animation in students’ small groups. “Super Smith is rad,” one student said. “She totally deserves this award.”
