Indian Hill Primary School students learn bike engineering from a Brave graduate!

Indian Hill Schools: Wednesday, December 11, 2019, By Heather Higdon

John Margraf was the tallest Brave in class November 22 at Indian Hill Primary School. The Indian Hill Class of 2013 graduate took center stage at the First Grade Town Hall Meeting as the featured presenter. The subject of the meeting was biking … no, not how to ride a bicycle, but rather, how to design one!

“Engineering for real life – that is really what our students were receiving a lesson about,” said Indian Hill Primary School Principal Jim Nichols. “What an incredible opportunity to look at the science behind something so relevant to their age group! We are thrilled Mr. Margraf took the time to visit our students and share his incredible experience.”

Margraf graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program where he majored in Industrial Design. He now works for Huffy, designing bikes for children. From ideation with sketching, 3D modeling, 3D printing, colors and graphics with Disney, and finally manufacturing, students got to see the entire process during the presentation through the designer’s eyes.

“I was honored to be asked to share my passion with first graders,” said Margraf. “Indian Hill holds a special place in my heart, and it was fun to visit the primary school again. Having spent three years there, it brought back many great memories!”

“We are so fortunate to have our former students as supportive resources for innovative learning at Indian Hill,” said Nichols. “We know this lesson was one that was exciting for our students to experience.” 

John Margraf (Indian Hill Class of 2013) was the featured speaker at Indian Hill Primary School’s First Grade Town Hall Meeting November 22 to share his experience designing bikes for children at Huffy. (Photo: Courtesy Indian Hill Schools)