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Adapting QISE technology for use in the high school classroom

The objectives of the project include:1) increase STEM and ICT career awareness by providing opportunities for teachers and students to learn about how STEM content disciplines can fully integrate technology and engineering, 2) provide professional development for STEM teachers to learn about quantum related topics and effective curricular connections, 3) provide student summer STEM camps to engage students in technology-rich STEM/QIS experiences, and 4) research a new professional development (PD) model designed to increase positive teacher and student experiences with ICT, STEM, and QIS in a manner that promotes student knowledge and interest in pursuing future STEM careers in an appropriate amount of time. The PD model for this project provides opportunities for high school STEM teachers to learn about quantum concepts utilizing a unique trainer of trainer approach where the teacher PD is tied to a summer camp experience. During the camp teachers can test their delivery of the material with students in the summer camp with the hope of increasing implementation in the classroom. Curriculum and resources used are designed to be pedagogically appropriate, easily implemented, and require little equipment. The project aims to impact a minimum of 100 teachers and 600 students.

Pillar 1: Innovative Use of Technologies in Learning and Teaching

High school classrooms generally do not have equipment to teach quantum information science. Therefore, we have partnered with experts to develop “scaled down” technology representative of what is used in industry or research. Two examples include: 1) Michelson Interferometer demonstrates how LIGO can detect gravitational waves through the use of interference patterns of light and 2) quantum key distribution (QKD) demo which allows students to perform a simple version of the QKD protocol using polarized light, teaching

Pillar 2: Partnerships for Career and Workforce Preparation.

Current technology requires an understanding of quantum information science (QISE). Although educators may recognize the importance of helping students learn about future QISE careers, they are often overwhelmed as to how to teach these concepts. This project provides support for educators willing to help students learn about quantum career opportunities, thereby increasing the quantum workforce pipeline. In addition to teacher PD, the project provides student camps and creates opportunities for student families to

Pillar 3: Strategies for Equity in STEM Education

Knowledge regarding quantum information science (QISE) and associated career opportunities needs to begin in grades K-12. A logical venue for exposure to quantum concepts might be a physics course, but numerous schools do not even offer physics. This project provides opportunities for K-12 students to recognize the relevance of quantum in their everyday lives and increase QISE career awareness. Results of the project will potentially inform other PD models to serv underrepresented groups and reduce potential barriers r
Quantum for All
Discipline(s)
Interdisciplinary
Target Gradespan(s)
High school (9-12)
Target Participant(s)
Educators
Project Setting(s)
Formal Education
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