Introducing Our Two Newest STEM Experts
1st Maker Space understands the importance of professional development for educators, which is why we have added two amazing new experts to our team - Megan Ewing and Natalie Parsons. Both bring with them extensive STEM teaching backgrounds from public school settings that will be invaluable assets to our Professional Development workshops. Professional development is one of the most important services provided by 1st Maker Space. Our PD workshops are designed to seamlessly integrate makerspace equipment into the classroom by connecting the maker mindset to current projects, Indiana Academic Standards, and lesson plans. In these hands-on workshops, we review our products with you and ensure that you gain the knowledge to use the product in your makerspace or classroom.
Megan and Natalie will also bring their creativity and expertise to create new and exciting 1st Maker Space curriculum as well as refine our existing offerings. Our Elementary, Middle School, and High School Makerspace Curriculum was designed with makerspaces, project-based learning, and fun in mind. These lessons showcase how to combine several subjects and academic standards to create worthwhile, complete products that students are interested in making.
About Megan:
Megan helps support educators in their efforts to bring maker spaces to their learning environments. Megan spent 14 years as a public school teacher in a high school classroom. During that time, she incorporated the use of a drone in Meteorology, coding in Astronomy, and problem-based learning techniques in Earth/Space Science. Through grants, Megan also installed a 3D printer in her classroom and incorporated board games into her curriculum. Megan has an MS in Engineering Technology Education and believes engaging learners in meaningful ways is the key to a successful education.
About Natalie:
Natalie grew up in Evansville, IN, and was born in a family with a long legacy of makers. Many Saturdays were spent running presses and typesetting orders at her father’s printing company. This ingrained in her the spark to pursue the world of creating and an interest in the evolution of technology. Natalie graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's in Education. She spent 14 years inspiring young scientists in southeast Marion County in her innovative 6th-grade science lab. Natalie’s eye for design naturally steered her to lead the science department in creating engaging digital resources and virtual instruction. She is pursuing her Master’s in School Leadership at Indiana University (once a Hoosier, always a Hoosier) and is focusing her studies on curriculum evaluation and development. Natalie is excited about the nation's shift to emphasizing what students can do with knowledge in a STEM world, and helping teachers and students cultivate a love for STEM is her mission at 1st Maker Space. When she is not working on a maker project, Natalie enjoys reading, building Lego, and spending time with her husband, two young sons, and her Blue Heeler.