For Transition Year & Schools

Engineering in the World: a practical STEM learning resource for Transition Year students

Help students explore engineering through real-world problems, active learning, and clear links to future study and careers.

Engineering in the World — Transition Year students exploring engineering
Engineering in the World book cover
The book

About Engineering in the World

Engineering in the World is a standalone engineering module for Transition Year students. It is designed to help young people recognise engineering in everyday life, understand how engineering solves real problems, and explore the wide variety of careers the field offers.

Written in an accessible and engaging style, the book supports both classroom learning and independent reflection. It gives students practical ways to connect STEM subjects with the world around them.

For students

What students will gain

The book is designed to build understanding, curiosity and practical skills through activities and examples that make engineering feel relevant.

  • Explore how engineering affects everyday life

  • Investigate real-world case studies and challenges

  • Build problem-solving and reflective thinking skills

  • Engage with design thinking in an accessible way

  • Connect engineering ideas to Leaving Cert maths, physics, chemistry and technology

  • Discover career paths, role models and workplace skills

For schools

Why it works for schools and teachers

Engineering in the World is built for the realities of the classroom. It includes content-focused activities that support different interests and abilities, encourages active learning, and gives students opportunities to develop practical, numerical, research, writing, visual and oracy skills. It suits a wide range of learner types and can support discussion, project work, reflective journalling and ePortfolio activity.

Differentiated activities

Content-focused tasks that suit a range of interests and abilities.

Active learning

Discussion, project work and group tasks built into every chapter.

Reflection and ePortfolio

Journalling prompts that map neatly to TY assessment and portfolios.

Skills development

Practical, numerical, research, writing, visual and oracy skills.

The team

Meet the authors

Marguerite O'Sullivan

Marguerite O'Sullivan

Director of Learning, Kenvue

Marguerite brought the original vision for Engineering in the World: a resource that would help students see the depth, relevance and opportunity within engineering.

Susan Hayes Culleton

Susan Hayes Culleton

Author and educator

Co-author of the bestselling Positive Economics and Money Matters, Susan brings her experience in education and communication to a book that helps students engage with STEM in a practical, meaningful way.

Partners

Supported by leading organisations

Engineering in the World is proudly supported by organisations with deep experience in industry, infrastructure and innovation.

Johnson & Johnson Ireland

Johnson & Johnson Ireland

A major employer in Ireland's medtech and pharmaceutical sectors, supporting innovation and STEM capability.

John Sisk & Son

John Sisk & Son

One of Ireland's best-known builders and contractors, with deep experience across major infrastructure and construction projects.

Cork County Council

Cork County Council

Supporting regional development, education and community engagement across Cork and beyond.

Trust

Why this resource stands out

  • Created specifically for Transition Year students
  • Designed around active learning and real-world case studies
  • Supports different learner types and classroom uses
  • Links STEM learning with careers, reflection and practical skills
  • Backed by respected authors and recognised partner organisations

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Bring Engineering in the World to your school or programme

If you would like to learn more about the book, discuss how it could be used in a school or programme, or stay informed about future STEM in the World developments, get in touch.

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