
What started it all: our educator professional development. Our Education Programs would not be where they are today without the countless teachers and other educators that have walked through our doors or connected virtually. We are pleased to continue to support educators across Canada, and internationally, with PD sessions. We aim to help inspire educators’ own curiosity in STEM topics, with Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and help spark new ideas for the classroom. Hear from a few of these educators in our Testimonial section below.
We currently offer:
- Annual CLS Educators’ Workshop
- Workshops providing the necessary training for our Students on the Beamline Program
- Indigenous-Focused Teacher Professional Development
- Recorded STEM Seminars on various topics for you to take in at your leisure
- Seminars delivered to you (virtually or in-person) on a variety of CLS & synchrotron topics
We are also happy to engage with you or your organization to develop something to suit your needs. Contact us for more info.
The Canadian Light Source is proud to offer professional development opportunities and we acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) PromoScience to make this possible.
Upcoming
We are tentatively scheduling Students on the Beamline Teacher Training for early in 2023. Stay in the loop as to what dates by signing up for our Education Mailing List, if you are not already on it. Link shared below.
Teacher Training is required in order to participate in our Students on the Beamline Program. Teachers will also have participated in a CLS Teachers'/Educators' Workshop or have a previous established relationship with the Education Team. If you have questions or are wondering if you are eligible for participating in the SotB training, you can email education@lightsource.ca.
Annual Educators' Workshops
Our Educators' Workshops are a way for educators to receive hands-on experience connecting STEM with science research, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, inquiry education, and a synchrotron. Each workshop has a theme but with similar components. Once we have decided on our dates and the theme, we will update this page accordingly. However, whether in-person or virtual, as a participant you will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in synchrotron experiments
- Learn about novel research in many disciplines
- Network with scientists who will share their experiences and enthusiasm for science
- Explore the entire facility
- Engage in Indigenous approaches or Traditional Knowledge, where possible
- Make real-life connections to science curriculum, and more!
- IDEAS in Action: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Investigate chemical differences in samples collected by participants (eg: soil or fruit) - Crystals and Diffraction: Biology
Prep microscopic samples and view the structure of a protein crystal from synchrotron data - Anatomy of a Beamline: Light and Optics
Look deeper into how a beamline works
- 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
- How to weave together Indigenous Ways of Knowing and mainstream Science
- How to incorporate inquiry and current research into the classroom
- Guest speakers in up and coming scientific research
Want to take a peek at our previous Educators' Workshop agendas?
2022 (TK & Mainstream Science) | 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.