Quantum Opportunities for Teachers
Professional development workshops and camps designed to help high school teachers confidently teach quantum information science.
The Workshop/Camp Model
The Quantum for All Professional Development (PD) model includes a workshop/camp model which allows teachers to learn with their peers and then practice what they have learned by teaching students at a camp. The content is modeled for the first days (usually 2-4) and the student camp immediately follows the teacher PD.
The content for the camp is similar to concepts the teachers learned, which gives them an opportunity to practice what they have learned in a low-stress environment while being supported by their colleagues. Some of the fundamental lessons are currently being written in the 5E learning format in order to facilitate easier implementation in the classroom. However, there are over 25 topics that are available for workshops and camps.
Current 5E Learning Topics
Atomic Structure
Spectra, energy transitions, classical vs quantum, quantum dots
Cloud Chambers & Particles
Hands-on exploration of particle detection using cloud chambers
Malus's Law & Polarization
Superposition, cryptography, and cybersecurity
Wave Particle Duality
Mach-Zehnder interferometer and LIGO
Planck's Constant
Photoelectric effect and UV catastrophe
How Quantum for All Supports Teachers
Quantum for All supports educators who want to embed quantum concepts — that do NOT rely on advanced mathematics — in their curriculum. By providing mentors, equipment, resources, and opportunities to "practice" what they have learned with other peers teachers develop confidence and threby expand knowledge of quantum information science principles in their classrooms.
What Teachers Are Saying
Feedback from Professional Development participants
"I have been a teacher for 13 years and I have never had a more effective professional development model. The vast majority of the content and instructional strategies we covered in this camp over the last two weeks will make its way into my classroom and that is generally not the case with other PD I have done in the past."
"The PD helped me significantly to teach because they were hands on activities that were scaffolded and connected to prior topics."
"Usually quantum concepts require equipment that is inaccessible. However, this has showed we can teach quantum with household/low-cost items."
"The PD+camp makes me feel more confident in my knowledge and more willing to get out of my comfort zone with the students."
"The combination of learning and then application (i.e. camp) is the BEST. As science teachers we know this and use it in our classes. Having camp to practice teaching and not just practicing the science, is even better."
"Love the ability to run lessons with kids."
"The hands-on student focused demonstrations were amazing and allowed the students to grasp difficult concepts."
"I think this model is very useful. The teaching portion gives a time to try to do the lesson in a low risk environment."
"This has been rich with learning, practicing and with take home equipment. Much superior to other PD."
"I think this framework is one of the better models for PD, too often PD gets you interested with not enough time to figure out how to use the material and it ends not being used (in the classroom)."
"I enjoyed being able to apply what I just learned immediately and with a huge support system from the leadership team and the other participants. I appreciate how these activities fit in well with what I already teach."
"I felt the opportunity to use the activities with the students was the most important element as it provided a proving ground to immediately test."
"The PD activities helped me see how they can be used in the classroom."
"Being able to run activities with students has given me confidence to use this in my classroom. I was able to have one on one conversations with students even when I wasn't leading the activity."
"I enjoyed the mentorship and pedagogy discussions during the PD. It was wonderful to work with veteran instructors with so many different experiences. So what I'm saying is the crew assembled was very effective and I don't find a suggestion for improvement."
"Having now gone to my first year teaching I realize how much this kind of different from other PD's and how much more beneficial is to apply what we learned. I want to come again as I feel like I gain deeper understanding each time."
"I have more confidence with the topics and experience troubleshooting the equipment. I also have the model of other presenters and how to handle various situations that come up with real students. The presence of the students during the second week is very valuable in field testing my new skills and knowledge."
"This PD is 10x better than anything I have ever done. It is focused on my content area and I am surrounded by people with similar interests and classroom experiences. Most other PDs have been a complete waste of time."
"This opportunity is unique and impactful. It is important that we are able to try these activities so I feel more confident they work and can be done with my high school students."
Teacher Workshops Photo Gallery
