About Me
Hi, I’m Alexis Markavage — an elementary teacher turned science education enthusiast, curriculum designer, and PhD student at Indiana University.
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For seven years, I taught kindergarten and first grade in San Francisco, where I discovered just how powerful science could be in sparking curiosity, building confidence, and helping kids make sense of the world. But I also felt and saw how often teachers were underprepared or overwhelmed when it came to teaching science. That experience planted the seed for my next chapter.
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Now, as a PhD student at Indiana University studying science education, I’m passionate about creating tools and experiences that make science meaningful and practical for every classroom. At Think Big Primary, I design hands-on, standards-aligned resources that bring inquiry and joy into everyday routines. My goal is to help teachers feel equipped and inspired, whether they’re guiding a simple observation or diving into a big, messy investigation.
Beyond the classroom, I lead Pop-Up Science Sparks, a traveling series of interactive exhibits I’ve built to engage children and families in playful, curiosity-driven exploration. From giant kaleidoscopes to magnetic walls, these exhibits turn libraries, schools, and community spaces into mini science centers. They also connect directly to my research on how science learning can be enriched through play, literature, and real-world connections.
At the heart of all my work is a simple belief: science should be accessible, engaging, and empowering for every child... and every teacher. Whether through curriculum resources, public exhibits, or teacher workshops, I’m committed to supporting educators and sparking the kind of wonder that makes kids want to keep asking “why?”
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When I’m not teaching, writing, or building, you’ll usually find me experimenting in the kitchen, gardening, or out on a walk with my pup, Louis.
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This site serves as a hub for my academic and professional work in science education. Here you’ll find my CV, research projects, and reflections on teaching, learning, and curriculum design.
