Synchrotron Teachers Workshop
November 3-5th, 2012
Registration and Funding Application
- Space is limited
- Professional Development through state-of-the-art science research
- Network with researchers in many disciplines
- Create experiential learning possiblities for your students
- Funding available for travel and accommodations
- $200 +GST registration fee includes lunch and evening socials plus teaching resource package
- detailed agenda is in development but anticipate 3 full days of practical sessions, networking opportunities, and riveting presentations
Teacher participant places sample in beamline chamber during practical session
Each year we open our doors to the nation?s science teachers, providing the unique opportunity to participate in synchrotron experiments; learn about novel research in many disciplines; network with CLS staff, and other scientists who share their experiences and enthusiasm for science; and explore the entire facility. The educational strength of Canada's synchrotron is that it provides an exciting, real life context for many of the outcomes expected in the science classroom. Thanks to funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's PromoScience program, you can apply for financial assistance to help you visit beautiful Saskatoon!
Comments from participants of past workshops:
“Catch the passion of the researchers and the practical applications which are relevant and concrete so that the knowledge can be passed on to students”
“The implications for synchrotron work are so far reaching, that it can be used in almost any course material”
“It’s invaluable and is a fabulous way to learn more about science/research to motivate classroom teaching!”
Here are some details about the workshop:
Practical, hands-on experiments!
- Identifying elements present in a soil sample using soft x-rays on the SGM Beamline
- Viewing the structure of a protein crystal from data generated by CMCF
- Connecting the vibrations measured on the MidIR Beamline to the structure of a spider web
- Viewing images of plant cells generated by the SM Beamline to determine molecular structure of stem cell walls, in connection with research towards efficient biofuel production
- Identifying mineral content of water residue using soft x-rays on the SGM Beamline
Topics typically covered:
- How exactly does this state-of-the-art machine produce its brilliant light?
- The grand tour- See this magnificent facility up-close and personal!
- The basis of synchrotron research techniques - What does it all entail?
- Discover how synchrotron research techniques contribute to nanotechnology and the development of cutting edge materials
- Learn about some of the possibilities being explored in cancer research
- Understand the imaging and therapy capabilities of synchrotron facilities for biological tissues, animal and some human research
- Learn how synchrotron techniques can impact environmental chemistry research
- Students on the Beamlines: how did it work from the perspective of the teachers and students that have participated
Past presenters include (this is not a complete list):
- From the University of Saskatchewan: Dr. L. Dean Chapman (X-Ray Imaging Canada Research Chair), Dr. Sven Achenbach (Micro and Nano Devices), Dr. Elisabeth Schultke (Medical Imaging), Dr. John Tse (Theoretical Materials), Dr. Alex Moewes (Materials Science), Dr. Louis Delbaere (Structural Biochemistry), Dr. David Sanders (Chemistry), and Dr. Stephen Urquhart (Chemistry)
- CLS Beamline Scientists and Staff: Dr. Brant Billinghurst (Far IR), Dr. Robert Blyth (SGM), Grant Cubbon (Safety), Igor D’Angelo (CMCF), Jennifer Heggie (Industry), Dr. Chithra Karunakaran (SM), Murray McLaughlin (Business), Venkat Subramanian (SyLMAND), Tasha Summers (Accelerator Physicist), Tracy Walker (Outreach), Dr. Jeff Warner (Industry), Dr. Julie Thompson (Industry), Dr. Lucia Zuin (VLS-PGM), Dr. Michel Fodje (CMCF)
- Students on the Beamlines group: Jacqueline Gregoire (teacher) and students from Centennial Collegiate Science Academy, Saskatoon, SK
Several teaching and informational resources are provided for each workshop participant, including:
- Synchrotron Science Classroom Resources - a resource developed by the CLS Educational Outreach Program providing information on synchrotron light and how it interacts with matter, how the synchrotron works, experimental beamlines, research applications, and lesson plans to include in the classroom to stimulate student interest in synchrotron research and provide real world examples of science in action
- A CD including presentations from the workshop, printable posters, and pictures taken at the workshop
- The opportunity to join discussion groups with other Canadian teachers interested in learning more about synchrotron science and integrating it into the classroom
Students on the Beamlines program
Teachers who attend the workshop are given the opportunity to participate in the new ‘Students on the Beamlines’ program where High School students collaborated with CLS staff to conduct ground breaking soil science research on the SGM beamline. This program will continue as beamtime is available. The first step to bringing YOUR Students on the Beamline is to attend the workshop.
View the schedule for the 2008 Synchrotron Summer Workshop for Teachers (PDF)
View the schedule for the 2007 Synchrotron Summer Workshop for Teachers (DOC)
View the schedule for the 2006 Synchrotron Summer Workshop for Teachers (Excel)
The CLS supports Science on Stage Canada
Questions? Contact Educational Outreach Coordinator.
Tracy Walker, B.Ed
tracy.walker@lightsource.ca
(306)657-3525
Last modified: 2012-01-27 15:01:05