Join Dr. Andrew McDonald from Stirling High School in this interactive session as we talk about all things space and answer your questions. Hear about his career, why he’s passionate about science, and how his pupils helped to spot penguin colonies from space!
Before teaching, Andrew worked as a research scientist with the British Geological Survey, developing the use of satellite and airborne imagery for geological applications. He participated in international projects on landslide and volcanic hazards and was active in the Public Understanding of Science during which he was awarded the British Science Association Media Fellowship with the BBC Radio Science department. He was also an associate lecturer with the Open University on the multi-disciplinary course on oceanography.
After several years in the scientific civil service Andrew realised that working with young people and trying to enthuse them about science was what he really enjoyed; so he retrained as a teacher. He has run STEM clubs, masterclasses for more able pupils and has provided outreach lessons to local primary schools. Andrew is passionate about putting real-world meaning to school science and has led a number of initiatives to broaden the range of science in his school.