Quantum physics in the classroom

As the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology draws to a close, it recognised 100 years since the initial developments in quantum mechanics. Quantum technologies continue to develop much faster than the classroom curriculum evolves. How can we bring quantum ideas into the secondary classroom and still deliver our required curriculum? Free resource packs from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics provide hands-on activities for your students that can do just that. This session will showcase some of the simple activities from the Challenge of Quantum Reality and Quantum Technology packs that can help bridge from developing an understanding of classical waves and particles into cutting-edge physics and show how easily they can be used in your own classroom. Topics covered will include the behaviour of particles, the behaviour of waves, wave-particle duality, diffraction, interference, lens optics, and the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields; all parts of standard high school physics curricula the world over, and ideas included in these two free Perimeter Institute resource packs. Each pack includes a comprehensive teacher’s guide, editable student worksheets, video materials and resources linking into more advanced extension topics such as single electron interference, electron microscopes, quantum dots and quantum computers. Use these materials to cut the quantum hype and help your students develop an understanding of some of the most important modern physics topics.