Teacher Support
Northern Ireland
 | Sue McGrath Teacher Network Coordinator in Northern Ireland Science2Life 77 Loopland Drive Belfast BT6 9DW Email: suemcgrath@btinternet.com |
Current Position
I am now a professional science communicator. My company is called Science2life. I work mainly in Northern and Southern Ireland but over the past 3 years have worked in England, Dubai and Nigeria.
I am mainly booked to deliver interactive science and engineering shows for all key stages; however I do also offer workshops for students and teachers.
Initial Training
- BSc (Hons) degree in Physics & Applied Mathematics from Queen’s University Belfast
- PGCE, DASE, CEd, and MEd in Educational Studies also from QUB.
Career
I taught in a Belfast Grammar School for 10 years before taking up the post of Senior Manager in charge of Education in W5 – whowhatwherewhenwhy, Ireland’s first ‘hands-on’ science discovery centre. Here my prime focus as Education Programme Leader was to develop workshops, demonstration shows and programmes for pupils, teachers and the general public which provided opportunities for experiential learning, particularly in science and technology.
Links with other Agencies
Scientific & Chemical Supplies Ltd. I have currently produced two science kits for SciChem and deliver teacher training workshops for them in the UK and Eire.
Science Technology & Engineering Programme for Schools. STEPs to Engineering, is an Engineers Ireland programme, set up in 2001 to promote engineering and science to primary and post primary school students.
The Discover Primary Science Awards of Excellence. I have been involved in this flagship project, run by the Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) awareness programme, for 3 years. DSE is managed by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science & Technology at the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment.
Science Week Ireland. This is another Discover Science & Engineering programme whose aims are to increase interest in science, technology, innovation and engineering among students, teachers and members of the public.
Galway Science & Technology Festival. 2008 will be my 4th year attending this festival which is growing from strength to strength. To date over 10 000 students have been enthralled and wowed with Magical Science and Engineering performances.
BA Festival – Norwich University 2006 & Liverpool 2008
I am also a member of NISEF (Northern Ireland Science Education Forum)
Editorial Service
Editorial Board Member 2002 - 2004:
Physics Education, Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd
Feature writer: Primary Science 2005
Science Spin – Ireland’s science and discovery magazine.
Author: Science Magic – Fun Guaranteed; August 2007
AuthorHouse ISBN 9781425970611
Regional Newsletter
Summer 2008 [Word 52KB]
Spring 2008 [Word 48KB]
^ To the top ^