Colloquium Series: 'Quantum for High-School Students and Teachers'
On 19 March 2024 the Centre for Quantum and Society organizes the next Quantum & Society Research Colloquium with Dr. John Donohue as our speaker, on the lecture 'Quantum for High-School Students and Teachers'.
Abstract: Helping students understand and appreciate the potential of quantum information science (QIS) in late high-school, as they make decisions about their college and university career, is an essential part of building the quantum workforce. While many resources exist for keen students to discover QIS, many more students are never exposed to the field or given opportunities to explore their interests. To provide more equitable access to introductory QIS education, it is important to involve not just academics and industry, but also high-school educators who can reach students more efficiently.
In this talk, we will outline the quantum education efforts from the Institute for Quantum Computing, including two-week enrichment workshops for high-achieving undergraduate and high-school students and a professional development workshop for high-school teachers, which have been run annually for over a decade. We will discuss how learning objectives and teaching methods differ between these audiences. We will also share participant feedback and alumni data, highlighting which activities, labs, and lessons resonate most with each audience.
The talk will be hosted (in person, with the possibility to attend remotely).
Time: 15h30 – 16h30
Location: Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden Gorlaeus Gebouw DM0.13
Interested in attending, or receiving updates about future events? Register here.
John Donohue is the Senior Manager of Scientific Outreach at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), a research institute at the University of Waterloo. At IQC, he directs a variety of activities and events to help people engage with quantum technologies, including Quantum: The Pop-Up Exhibition, the Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing, the Quantum School for Young Students, and the Quantum for Educators workshop. John earned his PhD from the University of Waterloo in 2016 for work in nonlinear and quantum optics. He also studied nonlinear waveguide technologies during a postdoctoral position at Paderborn University in Germany.
Centre for Quantum and Society
The Centre for Quantum and Society is a knowledge and co-creation center to maximize quantum technologies’ positive impact on society. We’re part of Action Line 4 of Quantum Delta NL, a unique program that aims to put societal impact first. We facilitate ground-breaking research into the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions related to quantum technologies. We develop tools to assess quantum applications’ impacts and develop governance approaches and guidelines. We support start–ups, small businesses, and corporate innovation teams in understanding the potential impact of quantum technologies on their sector, customers, and society. Last but not least, we initiate mission-driven innovation projects.
This monthly colloquium, organized by the Center for Quantum & Society of Quantum Delta NL, provides a platform for quantum & society researchers, aimed at building and broadening the community engaged in research on non-technical questions related to quantum technologies, including their development, applications, and implications. We will provide networking opportunities within the community, including with the aim to facilitate new collaborations.
