SANDHYA GUPTA: NURTURING CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH MATH AND SCIENCE
Sandhya Gupta PhD, talked about a special project—Aavishkaar. Aavishkaar is focused on India’s government schools with an aim to make science and math interesting, exciting and fun for all, while developing thinking abilities through logic and reason. Students of means in India typically attend private schools as the government schools lack resources and are not equipped to provide a quality education. Since 2003 Aavishkaar has focused on some of the neediest communities and government schools. Aavishkaar has partnered with Rotary International on projects to provide clean water, mobile healthcare, sports equipment, math and science supplies and instruments, and hosting a girl’s hostel for the purpose of their education.
Sandhya Gupta PhD, talked about a special project—Aavishkaar. Aavishkaar is focused on India’s government schools with an aim to make science and math interesting, exciting and fun for all, while developing thinking abilities through logic and reason. Students of means in India typically attend private schools as the government schools lack resources and are not equipped to provide a quality education. Since 2003 Aavishkaar has focused on some of the neediest communities and government schools. Aavishkaar has partnered with Rotary International on projects to provide clean water, mobile healthcare, sports equipment, math and science supplies and instruments, and hosting a girl’s hostel for the purpose of their education.Aavishkaar is focused on quality experiential learning that is affordable, regardless of a community’s economic condition. One example she pointed to is a small plastic microscope with a 140X lens that students use in their education. The vision of Aavishkaar is to nurture curious, creative and critical thinking through math and science. The goal is to make it visual, relevant and real. Something students can touch and feel. They promote math and science camps, fairs, and days. Not only do they want to create interest in math and science, but they seek to reduce fears around these courses, and eliminate the elements of gender that discourage girls for embracing math and science.
The seven member team of Aavishkaar is working with 45 schools and their educators to create a strong network of math and science teachers and to change old beliefs and practices so that the model of Aavishkaar can thrive with the over 1000 student they support. One of the biggest barriers they face is the school system and teachers that do not want to change, and who would rather rely on the stick.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- No Meeting July 3, 2018
- Rotary Foundation Update: We’re a little over 28K towards our goal of 32K. Deadline is June 30th . Please give small or large as we seek to not only to meet this goal but also have every member every year
contribute to the foundation. Contributions should be delivered to Dan O’Brien as ASAP. - Paul Harris Pins: Cheryl Eastbourne and Bob Starr were each awarded pins.
- Roy and Mary Lou Terwilliger Legacy Fund: Our goal to is raise 10K for five consecutive years building a fund to sustain the EPAM budget in “off” years and to fund special projects. We have over 20K from the first two years raised already. Special recognition to those that have given 1K or more: Roy Terwilliger, Josh Derlum, Matt Carpenter, Dennis Kim, Becky Deelstra, Gene Storms, and Andrew Currie.
SPOTLIGHT ON BRAD AHO
Brad was born in Detroit Michigan. He is a second generation American with both parents of Finnish origin. He moved to Minnesota his senior year of high school and is a graduate of Cooper High School. Brad attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is married to Bev who has been a friend since childhood. They have lived in Edina, Minnetonka, Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie. They moved to Eden Prairie in 1991. Brad has three grown children, Amber in Georgia, Austin in Utah, and Annie in Seattle. He also has two grandchildren. Brad has worked as an electrical engineer for companies like Medtronic, Audio Research Corp, Control Data, and Magnetic Data. In 1994 Bev and Brad started their own firm, Information Technology Solutions. In 2007 a competitor, Erickson Technologies, wanted to buy Info Tech Solutions and have Brad work for them. He has been with them since, working in sales and most recently as the Chief Technology Officer. Starting in 2005 Brad has served on the Eden Prairie City Council and while serving on the council he has focused on the I-494 corridor improvements, and serves as vice chair of Southwest Transit and chair of the Flying Cloud Zoning Board. In 2017 he received an honor as best city council member from SW Magazine. Future plans include a run for Mayor of Eden Prairie. Brad has been a part of EPAM since 2005.VISITORS
Matt Carpenter
Josh Dirlam
David Freeland - Prospective Member
Ram Gada - Prospective Member
Dick Teegan - Edina Noon Club
Rekha Claus - Student Intern