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 Teachers’ 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
Introducing a casual coffee talk series of professional development sessions related to Indigenous Engagement. These 1-hour sessions are hosted by our very own Bernie Petit, who weaves her extended family’s traditional Anishinaabe/Cree Knowledge, her experience in the health sector, and her experience as a Director of Operations for First Nations into unique science research projects and educator resources for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit organizations and classes.
Bernie will be hosting a series in December and January for organizations that would like to discuss how they might expand policies, procedures, and protocols to create pathways for Indigenous inclusion. She will also be hosting a series in February for educators on how they might expand their science units and also create pathways for Indigenous inclusion.
For more information and access to the links, view the webpage.
We are excited (and hopeful) to host educators in person at CLS at our annual CLS Teachers’ Workshop in August 2022! Receive professional development on synchrotron research, bringing inquiry & science into the classroom, networking with experts and fellow educators, exploring the CLS, engaging in Indigenous approaches, and more!
| Date: | Aug. 17-19th in person, tentative (3 day workshop) |
| Location: | At Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon, SK |
| Theme: | Environmetnal Sciences, with connections to STEM curricula |
| Cost: | $300 (fees support activities, lunches, evening social, and teaching resource package) |
| Funding: | Limited travel funding available |
Our theme will focus around environmental sciences but we will connect to chemistry, biology, physics, math, and various curricula. Working with CLS staff, you will also participate in your own synchrotron experiment investigating the science of soil using X-rays and your own soil sample! Check out below for general information on our workshops and previous Teachers' Workshop agendas.
Registration to open and further details will be shared in the coming months. Stay tuned and share with colleagues!
Annual Teachers' Workshops
Our Teachers' 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 Teachers' Workshop agendas?
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 lesiure 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.
SEMINARS DATES AND TIMES TBD
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.