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The future of economic and national security, commerce, and technology are becoming more dependent on quantum information science (QIS). In addition to traditional STEM fields, there will be a broad need to develop a "quantum smart" workforce, and this development needs to begin before college. Since most students will not major in physics, it is vital to expose precollege students to quantum concepts that are relevant to everyday experiences with information security, smart phones, computers, and other widely used technology. This project, funded by the US National Science Foundation, provides opportunities for students to learn about various aspects of quantum science, regardless of whether they take a physics class. This project provides opportunities for secondary educators to learn and practice QIS. Project partners include universities, businesses, and professional organizations such as Science Teacher Association in Utah and Texas, American Association of Physics Teachers, Institute for Quantum Computing, and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. In particular, we utilize a trainer of trainer approach, however, the teacher professional development is tied to summer camp experience for students during which the teachers can test their delivery of the material with students in the summer camp. In this paper we will discuss the content areas and provide an outline of the professional development model.
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This content will become publicly available on January 1, 2026
The Quantum for All Students and Teachers Project: Sample Activities and the Historical Storyline Linking Them
The Quantum for All Project is a program funded by the National Science Foundation (#2048691) to expand quantum science education in High Schools. The central focus is professional development for teachers, but there is considerable work that goes into developing and validating the instructional materials. In this paper we provide a general overview of the project. We also provide some details on activities that address specific topics which are included in the Next Generation Science Standards: the electromagnetic spectrum and the dual wave/particle behavior of light. Finally, we discuss a historical storyline that was used with the teachers in the 2024 summer workshop to link several activities dealing with early quantum theory.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2048691
- PAR ID:
- 10570927
- Publisher / Repository:
- AIP
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The Physics Teacher
- Volume:
- 63
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 0031-921X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 26 to 28
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Quantum, Physics education
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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