Smart Futures & STEPS Volunteer Event - learn, network & have fun

Smart Futures is a collaborative government - industry - education programme promoting STEM careers to post-primary students in Ireland. It is managed and delivered by Science Foundation Ireland in partnership with the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme. All STEPS post-primary activity is part of the national Smart Futures Programme.

To thank you for your incredible support of the Smart Futures and Engineers Ireland STEPS outreach programmes, please join us for a free event on Thursday 7th April at 6.30pm in Engineers Ireland, Dublin 4.

Learn about the relationship between Smart Futures and STEPS, find out about alternative routes emerging in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education (PLC courses, apprenticeships, etc.), improve your presentation skills, network with your peers, meet the Smart Futures team and enjoy refreshments. Booking details are below.

Evening includes:

Welcome

The Smart Futures team

Smart Futures

Margie McCarthy - Head of Education and Public Engagement at Science Foundation Ireland

Apprenticeships and alternative routes into STEM

Careersportal.ie

Tips for connecting with transition year students

TY Ireland

Hook your audience - delivering & developing interactive STEM presentations

Dr Paul McCrory – Learn Differently

Classroom activities with the Young Engineers Society

Examples of activities which you can use in the classroom

Refreshments

Free finger food

To celebrate the launch of the SmartSTEPS system, we are giving away a free tablet to one lucky volunteer who attends on the night.

Please join us on the 7th April from 6:30pm at Engineers Ireland, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

If you are unable to attend, the event will be webcast live from 6.30pm at engineersireland.ie/live

Speakers

Margie McCarthy, Head of Education and Public Engagement at Science Foundation Ireland

Margie is responsible for the development, co-ordination and implementation of Science Foundation Ireland’s education, outreach and public engagement activities, and to fulfil its mission to catalyse, inspire and guide the best in STEM education and public engagement in Ireland. A civil engineer herself, Margie was Director of Membership with Engineers Ireland for seven years before joining Science Foundation Ireland and previous to that, was Manager of the STEPS programme from 2005 to 2007. Through these roles Margie has worked extensively on developing education partnerships, funding and volunteer programmes, as well as acting as spokesperson in all forms of media on public awareness of STEM, STEM education and careers.

Careers Portal

CareersPortal.ie is Ireland s national Career Guidance resource designed to provide a gateway to the most useful information available to those needing or providing career guidance in Ireland.

Transition Year Ireland

Transition Year Resource that offers advice, help and tips for TY Students, their teachers, parents and employers.

Dr Paul McCrory- Learn Differently

Enhance your volunteer efforts with an exclusive communications session with Paul McCrory from Learn Differently. Paul will share his tips for communicating with younger audiences.

Paul is passionate about science, engineering and maths and in communicating this enthusiasm to others. Having worked in informal education in science centres and an outreach organisation for 15 years, he has a wealth of experience in engaging a wide range of audiences in an accessible and interesting way. Paul has a BSc in physics and mathematics, an MSc in science communication, a PGCE in secondary education, and a PhD in science education. His PhD research explored how to promote interest in science through the use of techniques which foster emotional engagement.

Young Engineers Society

The Young Engineers society is a special interest group for young engineering professionals through which they can network with other young engineers of all disciplines at events organised by the society.

Book now to secure your place at the event

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

There is street parking available in front of building which is free after 6.00pm.

Dublin Bus routes 7/B/D, 8, 18, 39/A, 46A, 47 and 145

The DART to Landsdowne Road station - 5 minute walk

The Luas to Ranelagh station - 15 minute walk

The Aircoach to/from Dublin airport - less than 5 minute walk

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Contact the STEPS team at 01 6651340 or steps@engineersireland.ie

What is the dress code?

Smart casual.