First, Bravo!!! *enter applaud sounds here*
I watched this video from my couch with my 2nd grader who, like other students, does not have school today or tomorrow or the next day... and Alexandra's comment on how to incorporate science in everyday activities, like cooking, really resonated with me given the circumstances us parents are finding ourselves in today. Thank you for sharing those stories from your upbringing, your parents are aspirational.
Radhika, I really enjoyed your story working with the Colorado hospitals. Particularly, the emphasis on designing systems that work for the people relying on the results. Your comments remind of the book I am reading right now called "Great at Work" by Morten T. Hansen. He says, "Effective redesign requires that we loosen the shackles of familiar and ask why things are the way they are, and whether there's a better way. To make these discoveries, I recommend that you start asking some "stupid" questions...Why do kids have two months summer vacation from school?[...]Once you've gotten into the habit of asking such questions, ask some "what if" questions...What if kids only had one month of summer vacation, and another month of community service?[...]The combination of asking a "stupid" question and crafting some "what-ifs" can help you discover a nifty redesign and lift your performance." You two sound like you are on a similar wavelength! Also, I completely agree with diverse mindsets, including those on a spectrum. A great book I am so thankful to have read as a teenager because it has resonated with me ever since is called, "An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales", the author speaks about the talents of those with "non-traditional" minds. Finally, my favorite quote from a documentary I watched on the way to the United Kingdom's Alteryx Inspire in London(2019): "A mouse does not know what a mouse does not know" highlighting your point that we still have so much to discover, so many possibilities!
And Julie, I completely agree that schools should not sponsor products from companies, but rather stay true to their mission statement to be educators only. How refreshing to hear you say that! Thank you.
Last, but not least, Libby - thank you for sharing your book recommendations! Both reads sounds fascinating and I am adding them to my list. Along with watching the new Alter Everything podcast. Thank you Maddie for all your hard work with those!
Finally, I want to share my daughter's comment during the video after I reinforced to her that girls can do anything boys can do and boys can do anything girls can do.
Zariah: "Mom, I know something girls can do that boys can't."
Me: "What is that?"
Her: "Boys cannot have a baby."
Well, she is right. That is a true statement, girls can do things that boys cannot!
