Synchrotron Summer Workshop for Teachers becomes
Science on Stage - Canada!
August 9th - 14th, 2009

Science teachers from across Canada will be gathering in an unprecedented national science teaching opportunity. Incorporating elements from the CLS teachers workshop (riveting presentations from Canada Research Chairs and exciting practical hands-on sessions) with the European Union's Science on Stage. Science on Stage Canada provides a unique opportunity for teachers to participate in a weeklong celebration of science teaching.

• exchange successful and innovative teaching methods
• participate in synchrotron experiments as professional development
• open the door for your students to conduct cutting edge research in the Students on the Beamlines programme

CLS is very pleased to be able to host Science on Stage Canada (SoSC) in partnership with the Council of Science Educators of Canada (CSEC) and with the support of NSERC PromoScience and la Société pur la promotion de la science et de la technologie. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your dedicated organising committee:

Tracy Walker, B.Ed - CLS Educational Outreach Coordinator
Johanne Patry, Ph.D. - Conseillère pédagogique du Collège Bourget
Tim Molnar, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Curriculum Studies - Science Education, University of Saskatchewan
Phil Langford - Science Teacher, Department Head, Bert Fox Community School

If you are interested in further information please visit www.scienceonstage.ca

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!”

Pictures from past workshops

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 attended the workshop in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were 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 bearmtime 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)

Questions? Contact Educational Outreach Coordinator.
Tracy Walker, B.Ed
tracy.walker@lightsource.ca
(306)657-3525

Last modified: 2009-03-09 11:03:10