Canadian Light Source Education

🌿 Indigenous Knowledge and Science each offer unique perspectives, and together they can open new pathways for student learning and understanding.

We’ve put together a list of free resources to support educators:

📘 Indigenous Educational Resources → https://sites.google.com/lightsource.ca/virtualclassroom/indigenous-connections/indigenous-resources

🔗 Support Links → https://sites.google.com/lightsource.ca/virtualclassroom/indigenous-connections/support-links

As much as 40 million tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment globally every year. These tiny pieces of plastic come from larger plastic items that break down or are shed by products such as clothing, paints, and cosmetics. Many people are concerned about microplastics making their way into human tissues. This could spark great discussions in and other classes!!

Nicholas Letwin, PhD candidate and Ryan Prosser, associate professor from the University of Guelph used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to map approximately 2,500 individual microplastic particles inside the earthworms; the imaging clearly showed that all the particles remained inside the gut and didn’t cross into internal tissues. Potentially great news!

Read the news story and watch a short video interview here: https://www.lightsource.ca/public/news/2026-27-q1-apr-jun/microplastics-pass-through-earthworms-without-accumulating-in-body-tissues-study-shows.php
Read the science article here: https://doi.org/10.1093/etojnl/vgag072
Find resources to support using the science article in your classroom here: https://bit.ly/3ik02RS

📚 Professional Learning Resource for Educators! 🧪

Check out “Weaving Western Science into Indigenous Education Programs” - an insightful seminar available in our virtual classroom by Bernie Petit.

🔗 Virtual classroom: https://sites.google.com/lightsource.ca/virtualclassroom/for-educators/educational-resources
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEfkrXfZflc

A great opportunity for educators to explore meaningful, culturally responsive approaches to teaching.

🌿 Towards Reconciliation: 10 Calls to Action to Natural Scientists 🔬

Grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, this resource highlights 10 practical ways natural scientists can meaningfully support reconciliation in their work.

📘 Learner worksheet to support deeper engagement:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Pbr_4xkSG358Dv5O5SALQ6GqyuUDtAm/view
📄 Read the full article here:
https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2020-0005

Subject Areas: Indigenous Studies, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
Grade Levels: Grades 6–12, Adult Basic Education, Undergraduate, Teacher & Professional Educators

📚CLS Indigenous Supports & Helpful Links🌿

A curated collection of resources and supports for Indigenous youth, educators, and anyone exploring Indigenous-focused learning. Resources include:

🌱 Indigenous & Land-Based Learning
🔬 STEM Organizations Supporting Indigenous Peoples
🎓 Student Indigenous Resources
✨ CLS Education Seminars

📖 Grade Levels: K–12, Adult Basic Education, Undergraduate, Teacher/Professional Educator
🧪 Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Indigenous Studies, Research Skills & Career Connections

🔗 Explore the resources here: https://sites.google.com/lightsource.ca/virtualclassroom/indigenous-connections/support-links?authuser=0 .7w9qzhtajcyb

🔬 Build a Monochromator Lesson Plan 🌈

📘 Learn more here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iqBmmKLbSkfKsg0BJTmoMx0xBrwEjueB/view

How do we produce light to conduct research? ⚡🔬

This animation from the University of Saskatchewan explores these questions and clearly shows how a synchrotron works. Through engaging visuals and narration, it breaks down the science behind one of the most powerful research tools used today.

A valuable physics resource for learners and educators from Grade 6–12, adult education, undergraduate study, and beyond. 🎓✨

🎥 Watch the animation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuJnJqq9LXM
🖥️ Virtual Classroom – Educational Resources here: https://sites.google.com/lightsource.ca/virtualclassroom/for-educators/educational-resources

🔬 Students on the Beamline Poster Competition 🔬

Two outstanding student research posters are featured in this year’s competition during the Canadian Light Source Annual Users Meeting 2026. 🌟

We invite attendees and members of the public to review the posters and vote for their favourite one. 🗳️

📍 In-person voting will take place during the AUM on May 21, 2026
💻 Public voting is available online: https://bit.ly/4d88Wzd
📄 Additional information about the Students on the Beamline posters can be found here: https://bit.ly/3eUNQc6
📅 Voting closes on May 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon) ⏰

Join us in recognizing and celebrating excellence in student research and scientific communication. ✨