Case Studies

The way a STEM Ambassador works with a school varies, depending on the individual and his/her skills as well as the demands of the particular school/project.

The areas ambassadors can work in include:

Supporting the applications of science and engineering within the classroom; arranging and/or accompanying visits to outside organisations, or supporting teachers behind the scenes
Helping to support extra-curricular science/engineering clubs, award schemes or help students prepare for competitions
Mentoring of students
Giving talks to schools, including parents and governors, about current issues, science/engineering in their workplace, accessing careers in STEM, their experiences etc.
Supporting careers guidance and acting as role models
Supporting the whole school more generally with their technical knowledge
And in many more areas where you can make a valuable contribution

However, where exactly you, as an ambassador, fit into these areas may still be unclear so below are several real case studies from ambassadors working in Scotland, maybe one of these can inspire you!

	Jack McGowan, Ambassador, Greater Glasgow I retired as Plant Manager of the UK Division of a major international valve company in 2002. I was interested in 'giving something back' after a lifetime of engineering experience working throughout the world.
	David Murgatroyd, Ambassador, SETPOINT Scotland East I first became a Neighbourhood Engineer many years ago after a colleague, Dave Jamieson, got me interested in the programme, which was run then by the Engineering Council.
	Portobello High School and our Science and Engineering Ambassadors At Portobello High School we have had a very long and happy association with our Science and Engineering Ambassadors - 14 years to be precise.
	Junior Engineer for Britain KNEX Challenge 2006 It was a day to remember for local school kids as they got to play their part in a unique and exciting competition at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. The primary six pupils from schools throughout Glasgow came together to compete in the regional finals of the Junior Engineer for Britain annual tournament.
	Port Glasgow Ambassadors Science Ambassadors Colin Tracey (ISC) and Eugene McGeady (CRM/BTO) are volunteering at Port Glasgow High School to create science presentations for primary school children. Intrigued, the News tracked Colin down at the school to find out more...
	Eco-Vehicle Challenge: Newmains Primary School, Renfrew Whilst reading the January SETPOINT Glasgow newsletter, I saw a request for ambassadors to attend local primary schools and act as judges for science challenges. Noticing that my former primary school needed a judge I jumped at the chance to return as a Science and Engineering Ambassador to have a nosy and see what had changed in 11 years!
	Lab in a Lorry tours Argyll and Bute - 2008 Lab in a Lorry, recently completed a two week tour of Argyll and Bute taking place between 25 August and 5 September with the aim of inspiring young people in the region to science. The tour visited Dunoon Grammar (with Rothesay Academy joining), Lochgilphead High School, Campbeltown Grammar, Tarbert Academy, Islay High, Tiree High, and Oban High School.