Connecting Scientific Research with Science Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education internationally has been tasked to change how students learn at every level of education, with more experiential learning and inquiry practises, and with greater integration of different ways of knowing.
The CLS Education Team focuses on building strong connections between science learning and science research in our educational programming and resources. We aim to provide a hands-on immersive experience for students and educators to engage our participants in the scientific process. Our educational programs train the next generation of researchers and decision makers, engage students at middle years levels and older, connect to Indigenous Ways of Knowing where possible, and provide professional development opportunities for educators. Take a look at the list below and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Many of the programs described here are made possible through a PromoScience grant. We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
What's Happening in Education?
Feature exciting synchrotron research in your science classroom! Our Research Readers package will walk you through using news stories about research at CLS and connecting that with your course curriculum.
Students from Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie in unceded Indigenous lands of Kanien'kehà:ka & Mohawk Nations / Montreal QC present results of soil remediation by squash plants Jan 16 at 1pm CST.
Follow our Education Team on Facebook to check out events, cool resources, and see what students get up to while engaging with us!
Take a look at our Virtual Classroom! There are lessons and activities created for courses like physics, chemistry, biology, Indigenous Connections, humanities, and more!
Programs We Offer:
Indigenous Engagement
High School, Adult Basic Education (ABE), or Educators
Various Options
Virtual, On-site, or In Person
CLS Education is striving to develop ways to weave Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous perspectives with mainstream Science. We aim to empower students and educators, with curiosity and exploration central to this approach. We currently offer Indigenous-focused programs, Indigenous Professional Development, resources for Indigenous Connections, and we welcome new relationships as we continue to develop our programs!
High School
Students on the Beamline
High School (students aged 14+)
From 1 to 2 years
Virtual and On-site
Students on the Beamline (SotB) is an opportunity for high school students to "DO" science. As they go through the scientific process, they make the decisions and create a novel research project. Mentors and experts provide advice to help students develop their research, but ultimately the students are the scientists and drive their own research.
Kîwetinotahk mahkêsîs - ᑮᐁᐧᑎᓄᑕ ᒪᐦᑫᓰᐢ
High School, Adult Basic Education, or Post-Secondary
Flexible Timeframes
Virtual and/or On-site
The Arctic Fox Project is a science adventure that engages teachers, students, and Indigenous communities by creating a unique opportunity to integrate hunting and trapping skills, synchrotron science, mainstream Science principles, and Traditional Knowledge. This project combines Traditional Knowledge and synchrotron light to allow the Arctic animals to teach us more about them.
Paskwâwimostos - ᐸᐢᑳᐧᐃᐧᒧᐢᑐᐢ
High School, Adult Basic Education, or Post-Secondary
Flexible Timeframes
Virtual and/or On-site
The Bison Project integrates Traditional Knowledge and mainstream Science in an experience for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) students, Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and various science organizations. Students participate in land-based sample gathering, timeline development, and CLS beamline experiments exploring elemental differences in Bison hair, grazing soil, and herd diets.
Mînisa - ᒦᓂᓴ
High School, Adult Basic Education, or Post-Secondary
Flexible Timeframes
Virtual and/or On-site
The Berry Project engages First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) teachers, students, and communities with their Traditional Knowledge on berries as well as mainstream Science. Students explore food security, traditional diet, land-based gathering management, and synchrotron science, all while generating a collection of cultural expression resources to keep Traditional Knowledge alive through oral tradition.
TREE Project
High School, Middle Years, or ABE
Flexible Timeframes
Land-Based, Distance Learning
Students from across Canada are invited to be a part of the Trans-Canadian Research and Environmental Education (TREE) citizen science project. This research investigates trembling aspen in relation to the environmental history of the area where it grows. There are learning modules and activities designed to engage students in STEM, social studies, and Indigenous perspectives as well as options for engagement! Connect with curriculum across many subjects in Grades 6-12 and contribute your samples to a tree-ring research collaboration!
Post-Secondary
Post-Secondary Students
Various Options
Virtual and On-site
Our Post-Secondary Education Programs offer opportunities for post-secondary students to take part in synchrotron research offered through a course. This program is flexible and we work with instructors to ensure the student experience meets the intended outcomes for learning. This may look unique to each learning experience and we can adapt from previously created examples such as an Integrated Project, Lab Based Experience, or Group Research Project.
Professional Development
Educators' Workshops
For Educators
3 days to 5 days
Virtual and/or On-site
The CLS offers virtual and in-person professional development opportunities, most notably, our annual CLS Educators' Workshop and SotB Training! We can also come to your school or organization. These opportunities provide educators with inquiry-based pedagogy and ways to connect current research to (primarily) science classroom curricula, with hands-on experiences where possible. Check out our seminars (below) to find Indigenous-Focused PD, different topic options, and pre-recorded STEM seminars.
Seminars
For Educators
Flexible Timeframes
On-site, In Person, or Virtual
There are many ways that the CLS can support professional development opportunities for educators and extended learning for students. We will work with you to bring a seminar to your professional development workshop, conference, convention, or class. We offer a wide-range of seminar topics, including many with Indigenous-focused content. Browse our list of available topics to get you started and we would be happy to connect!
Lessons and Resources
Visit our Virtual Classroom to find tools that you can use in your classroom, including a repository of science, STEM, and Indigenous lessons and resources.
Meet the Team
General inquiries: education@lightsource.ca
Find us on Facebook: @EducationCLS
Our Education Coordinator - Indigenous Programs role is currently vacant. For inquiries, please contact our Education Email as we look to fill this role.
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