Physics colloquium-“Engaging the Public and K-12 Students in Quantum Education”

Emily Edwards

Illinois Quantum Information Science & Technology Center (IQUIST)

Abstract: Increasing public awareness and engagement with quantum-related topics in modern physics is of importance given the projected societal impact of the broader field of quantum information science and engineering. Yet there is an informational desert for many non-experts interested in learning about quantum mechanics. The topic also has a reputation for being mystical, unfamiliar, and a synonym for unapproachable science. Unfortunately, many online resources are likely to technical people outside of most STEM fields and are likely not addressing this barrier. Moreover, in-person and/or hands-on experiences are difficult to come by for most people who are not already connected to quantum-related science outreach programs or geographically close to a quantum research program. In this talk I will discuss three projects that share the overarching goal of increasing quantum-related science literacy among non-expert learners: The Quantum Atlas, Quander, and the National Q-12 Education Partnership. Each project addresses a different educational gap and audience. The Quantum Atlas focuses on a multimedia resource for non-expert adults. Quander is a game design project aimed at middle grade learners and can be used in both formal and informal learning environments. The National Q-12 Education Partnership is a consortium of industry and professional society partners, spearheaded by the National Quantum Coordination Office in OSTP and the National Science Foundation. The consortium works with the community to share information and empower K-12 educators to learn and teach quantum. 

Bio: Dr. Emily Edwards is the Executive Director of the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is co-leading the Q2Work project with U. Chicago and U. Pittsburgh. Q2work helps lead the National Q-12 Education Partnership, a workforce initiative spearheaded by NSF and WHOSTP.  Edwards also has multiple projects in informal STEM education and science communication, including “The Quantum Atlas” with the University of Maryland and “Quander” with the University of Chicago and University of California Santa Barbara.

All lectures held in CoorsTek 140 unless otherwise noted