Quantum Cryptography as an Approach for Teaching Quantum Physics

Jozef Gruska

Andrea López-Incera, Andreas Hartmann, Wolfgang Dür

Abstract Recent progress in the development of quantum technologies, most notably in the context of quantum computing and cryptography, poses the question of whether and how to teach the modern and sophisticated underlying theory of quantum physics, and its applications, at school. To this end, we present a game-based approach to teach Bell inequalities and quantum cryptography at undergraduate level. The approach is based on kinesthetic activities and allows students to experience and discover quantum features and their applications first-hand. The students obtain the same results as if they were in a real laboratory performing sophisticated experiments such as Bell tests, without requiring expensive tools and facilities. Specifically, quantum states are represented by the orientation of students, who also play the role of quantum particles, and mimic quantitative random behaviour and measurements using dice and apps.

Eleni Diamanti

Efraim Yehuda Weissman, Avraham Merzel, Nadav Y. Katz +1 more

Abstract Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cryptography protocol based on the fundamental principles of quantum physics (QP). Teaching this subject does not require extensive knowledge beyond these principles, making it suitable for inclusion in high school (HS) curricula. Despite its relevance, teaching QKD in HS is yet understudied. In this study, we collected responses from 12th-grade students from various schools that adopted and applied the Discipline-Culture vision of the physics curriculum. We assessed their understanding through conceptual and quantitative problems and examined their attitudes regarding the motivation to study this subject. We analyzed the responses using content analysis, identifying the challenges and affordances of teaching QKD. The challenges faced by students have been categorized into three themes: difficulties with QP, difficulties with the QKD protocol, and difficulties with the mathematics involved in this context. Despite these challenges, we found that teaching QKD reinforces students’ conceptual understanding of QP concepts and problem-solving skills. This work enhances educators’ ability to address the challenges of teaching QP and suggests that teaching QKD in HS strengthens students’ motivation to study QP.

N. Imoto

Anastasia Perry

Quantum Computing (QC) is an active area of current research and technological development, receiving increasing government funding and exposure in popular media. Should we teach the foundations of Quantum Computing to high school students? If so, how can we do it effectively? This talk will present some foundational concepts of QC and survey of recent advances. Additionally, there will be a review of the available resources and activities that can be incorporated in teaching QC at the secondary or college level. The activities include Quantum Tic-Tac-Toe to introduce quantum mechanics, programming “Schrodinger worm” on a IBMQ online platform, and quantum cryptography using Stern-Gerlach experiment. High school physics teachers have developed these activities during their summer internship at Fermilab under the guidance of theory group researchers.