Superposition—the idea that particles such as electrons or photons can exist in multiple states at once until they are measured—is a fundamental but challenging concept to grasp in quantum mechanics.
To make that idea more accessible, the University of Maryland-led NSF Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS) developed a hands-on activity kit designed for middle and high-school students. Using simple optical components, the kit introduces students to superposition and measurement through interactive experiments with polarized light.
The project aims to connect abstract quantum ideas to everyday experiences, said Greeshma Oruganti, a Ph.D. student in UMD’s Chemical Physics program and member of the student team that designed the kit.
“Most physics experiments are done with the help of a teacher and then you just don’t see them ever again,” Oruganti said. “We wanted students to take this home and show their families what they learned.”
While the behavior demonstrated in the kit can be described by classical wave superposition, it provides a starting point for understanding the more complex idea of quantum state superposition, said Zohreh Davoudi, associate director of education for RQS and a UMD physics professor.
“In classical systems, superposition means adding properties of waves, and measurement doesn’t change the system,” Davoudi said. “In quantum systems, a particle can exist in multiple states at once until it is measured. That measurement forces the system into a single outcome, with a probability determined by the original superposition.”
After finalizing the design, RQS produced the kits and organized training sessions for physics and math teachers from Washington D.C. and Maryland. The sessions focused on both the underlying concepts and strategies for incorporating the materials into existing curricula.
For educators, the kits also offer a way to introduce students to career pathways in a growing field.
“Out of every three jobs in quantum, only one is being filled,” said Maajida Murdock, a math teacher at Randallstown High School who helped lead the trainings. “That’s a good opportunity for students at all different levels.”
So far, 750 kits have been distributed in Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., with another 750 planned over the next year as the program expands. Educators can request quantum activity kits by emailing rqs@umd.edu.
—Story and Video by Maria Herd, UMIACS communications team