A Venn diagram showing how the CLS Education Team integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education as well as Indigenous Ways of Knowing, through experiential learning and inquiry practises.

Professional development for teachers and educators: Our Education Programs would not be where they are today without the countless educators that have connected with us. We are pleased to support educators across Canada, and internationally, with PD sessions. We aim to help inspire educators’ own curiosity in STEM topics, interwoven with Indigenous perspectives, and help spark new ideas for the classroom. Hear from a few of these educators in our Testimonial section below.

Sessions currently under development include: 

Indigenous Perspectives in Chemistry and Physics

  • Aug 8, 15, & 22 2024 - 5pm CST
  • FREE - Virtual
  • Explore Indigenous knowledge systems in chemistry and physics!
    Join us to learn about Indigenous contributions, culturally responsive teaching strategies, and receive advice from an expert panel!

Students on the Beamlines Training Session

  • September 21 - tentative
  • FREE - Virtual
  • This session will review the exciting possibilities as well as the practicalities of enabling a small group of your students to participate in SotB. This session and at least one additional PD session are required to become eligible to apply to the program. 

Elder Advised Professional Development 

  • November 2024 - tentative
  • In person - cost to be determined
  • Join us for an exciting professional development opportunity guided by our Elder advisory council to demystify science and empower educators working with Indigenous youth.

Creating a Welcoming Classroom

  • March 2025 - tentative
  • Learn to integrate Indigenous perspectives into science education! This PD offers practical strategies for creating a welcoming, culturally safe classroom.

Recorded STEM Seminars on various topics are available for you to take in at your leisure.


We are also happy to engage with you or your organization to develop something to suit your needs. Contact us for more info.

 

The last Educators' Workshop was held in December of 2023. Check back in 2024 for updates regarding the next teacher training for SotB!

Our CLS Educators' Workshop is the first step necessary in training to participate in the award winning Students on the Beamlines program. A follow-up session may be required to complete the training.

Want to take a peek at our previous Educators' Workshop agendas?

2023 (Virtual) | 2022 | 2021 (Virtual) | 2020 (Virtual) | 2019 | 2018

We Can Come to You!

There are many ways that the Canadian Light Source can support professional development opportunities for educators. Contact us and we will work with you to bring a session to your professional development workshop, conference, or convention. As resources permit, the session may be in-person or by remote presentation. For ideas on what we can offer, check out our Seminars page and we can work with you to adapt a session to suit your needs.  

We also have recorded seminars for you to view at your leisure or watch live! Our STEM Seminar Series is a series of virtual seminars held throughout the year that provide insight into science research, the synchrotron, or how science research connects into the classroom. You will hear from a scientist, teacher, or professional talk about their research, teaching, or experiences. These are free online events and open to everyone.

Keep an eye on our What's Happening section for upcoming seminar dates or sign up for the CLS Education mailing list to stay in the know! 

Want to see previous talks? You can view the abstracts and access the links to the previous seminars in our Virtual Classroom! Many of these talks are great supplements to concepts shared throughout our Education Programs and help support connecting science research and science education. 

Testimonials

“I was fortunate to attend a teacher workshop at the Canadian Light Source. I was apprehensive because I was dipping my toes into a field of study that I had little experience in… physics. I had little to be worried about. Yes, there’s lots to know, but the CLS staff did a fabulous job of explaining the basics behind the synchrotron and even more remarkably, made me want to learn even more about physics. One of my favorite parts of the workshop was meeting with the different scientists and learning about what they were using the synchrotron for. I quickly found out that the synchrotron is used for research in many different scientific fields. This was my first exposure to the interdisciplinary science.” anonymous teacher, Canada
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“This was an inspiring trip that really had four strengths – access to a world-class science facility; interaction with the scientists doing the work; hands-on experiences & lessons; and promoting networking among teachers from across the country. I left the three day experience with a strong to desire to bring students back to conduct research. My experiences at the Canadian Light Source have transformed my perspectives as a science educator!” anonymous teacher, Canada
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“Thank you for an insight to Indigenous Teaching. Honestly I have no idea about it before and now I am looking up to my classrooms in quite a different way. I do have some students from tribal regions of my country where female are not encouraged to pursue the education for some reasons. And now I would be more careful to have them fully engaged in my classroom thru TKK and other strategies you talked about.” Mirwat, physics teacher, Pakistan
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"You brought together amazing things at the CLS. I always wanted to go in there. But what actually happened for the students was beyond what I could have imagined. It's beautiful to see you, Tracy, and Rob paddle and guide that canoe through the rapids." Gambina Kathy & Gambina Tim from Carry the Kettle