Abstract It has become increasingly common for high-school students to see media reports on the importance of quantum mechanics in the development of next-generation industries such as drug development and secure communication, but few of them have been exposed to fundamental quantum mechanical concepts in a meaningful classroom activity. In order to bridge this gap, we design and implement a low-cost 20 min demonstration of the Bell test, which is used in several entanglement-based quantum key distribution protocols. The demonstration introduces ideas such as the quantum state, quantum measurement, spin quantization, cryptography, and entanglement; all without using concepts beyond the 9th grade of the Chilean high-school curriculum. The demonstration can serve to promote early exposure of the future adopters and developers of quantum technology with its conceptual building blocks, and also to educate the general public about the importance of quantum mechanics in modern industry.
Abstract It has become increasingly common for high-school students to see media reports on the importance of quantum mechanics in the development of next-generation industries such as drug development and secure communication, but few of them have been exposed to fundamental quantum mechanical concepts in a meaningful classroom activity. In order to bridge this gap, we design and implement a low-cost 20 min demonstration of the Bell test, which is used in several entanglement-based quantum key distribution protocols. The demonstration introduces ideas such as the quantum state, quantum measurement, spin quantization, cryptography, and entanglement; all without using concepts beyond the 9th grade of the Chilean high-school curriculum. The demonstration can serve to promote early exposure of the future adopters and developers of quantum technology with its conceptual building blocks, and also to educate the general public about the importance of quantum mechanics in modern industry.
Teaching quantum mechanics at the secondary school level remains a major educational challenge. Traditional historical approaches often present the theory as a sequence of disconnected phenomena, requiring extensive prior knowledge of classical physics before students can appreciate the conceptual structure of quantum physics. In this work, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of a curriculum based on the two state (qubit first) approach, in which the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics are introduced through mathematically accessible two level systems and realized with light polarization. The curriculum integrates theoretical instruction, laboratory activities, a coherent progression grounded in the interactive simulations, and inquiry based learning into a coherent pathway that progresses from quantum states and superposition to entanglement and the experimental violation of Bell's inequalities. A distinctive feature of the project is the experimental realization of the violation of Bell's inequalities obtained in a newly established quantum optics laboratory in an Italian high school, where students performed, for the first time in Italy, an authentic Bell test using polarization-entangled photons. The same educational framework was adopted for in service teacher professional development courses. Learning outcomes were evaluated through mixed methods. Preliminary analysis indicates significant improvements in conceptual understanding, confidence in using mathematical formalism, and appreciation of the relationship between theory, experimentation, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. The proposed curriculum shows that two-state formalism and supported by real laboratory experiences enables secondary-school students to engage more meaningfully with both the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics and their experimental verification.
Abstract Quantum technologies rely on superposition and entanglement, concepts that challenge classical physics and provide a rich context for teaching. In this paper, we report on a course for high school teachers that focused on quantum cryptography, one of the most mature quantum technologies. The course aims to provide teachers with an innovative approach to introducing quantum physics at the high-school level, showcasing quantum cryptography as a compelling example of how modern technology exploits fundamental principles of quantum theory. The course covers quantum mechanics, light polarization, and the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol through theoretical and experimental sessions by integrating formal and informal approaches exploiting lectures, online simulations (QuVis) and hands-on laboratory activities (using Thorlabs Quantum Cryptography Demonstration Kit). In addition, a card game, originally developed as a public outreach tool, was introduced to interactively perform the BB84 protocol. Feedback from teachers confirmed the feasibility of integrating these concepts into curricula to promote quantum literacy and engagement in secondary education.
Abstract Quantum entanglement (QE) remains a challenging concept to teach and visualise due to its microscopic and non-classical nature. We present innovative educational demonstration material consisting of electronic dice that simulate the properties of QE through haptic interaction. The system uses displays, orientation sensors, and wireless communication to visualise key quantum mechanical principles such as superposition, measurement, and entanglement correlations. This analogy enables students to experience quantum phenomena through familiar objects, making abstract concepts more tangible. The dice support various educational scenarios, from basic entanglement demonstrations to more complex quantum key distribution experiments, and can be adapted for different educational levels from secondary school to undergraduate physics courses. Initial implementations demonstrate that the interactive nature of the quantum dice can help users develop an intuitive understanding of quantum mechanical principles. The low-cost, open source, and robust design makes quantum dice accessible to a wider range of educational institutions.
This study aims to design and implement a quantum computing education program suitable for high school students, given the growing significance of quantum computing in diverse scientific and industrial fields. While quantum computing is rapidly gaining attention for its potential to revolutionize computational speed and address complex problems, the gap in early education for pre-university students remains notable, especially in South Korea. This research examined international and domestic trends in quantum computing education, developed an activity-based curriculum integrating simulation tools and collaborative problem solving, and applied it to a group of high school students. Through pre- and post-program surveys, activity sheets, and qualitative feedback, the results show a significant increase in students’ understanding and interest in quantum computing concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates. The study highlights that an experiential, STEAM-integrated approach using visual and hands-on resources effectively lowers conceptual barriers and enhances engagement. However, challenges such as a lack of prior knowledge and limited educational materials persist. The research suggests policy and curriculum improvements as well as extended teacher training are required to bridge the global educational gap in quantum computing, and indicates that systematic integration of quantum concepts at the high school level is both feasible and impactful.
Teaching key concepts in quantum information science and technology benefits from hands-on activities that can engage students at all levels, especially high-school and undergraduate students. In this paper, we report on an educational kit for student exploration of quantum key distribution (QKD) via optical analogies that provides an affordable and highly interactive role-playing experience for students with minimal abstraction and direct connections to applications, key quantum concepts like superposition and measurement uncertainty, and student's pre-existing knowledge like light polarization. Manual and automated versions of the kit are detailed, as well as feedback from workshops with high-school students, undergraduates, and educators.
We present a simple, accessible, yet rigorous outreach/educational program focused on quantum information science and technology for high-school and early undergraduate students. This program allows students to perform meaningful hands-on calculations with quantum circuits and algorithms, without requiring knowledge of advanced mathematics. A combination of pen-and-paper exercises and IBM Q simulations helps students understand the structure of quantum gates and circuits, as well as the principles of superposition, entanglement, and measurement in quantum mechanics.