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Polarizers To Possibilities: Teaching Quantum Concepts To The Next Generation

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Poster
Poster Theme: AI & Emerging Tech in Education
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Session description

Discover how Denver Public Schools’ Quantum Science Camp makes complex quantum ideas approachable through hands-on activities, inclusive teaching, and industry connections. Learn strategies and take-home resources to engage diverse high school students in future-focused STEM pathways and spark curiosity, confidence, and innovation in your own program.

Outline

Introduction (0–5 min)

Welcome attendees to the poster and provide an overview of QCaMP (Quantum Computing Mathematics and Physics).
Briefly explain the mission: engaging high school students with foundational quantum science concepts through hands-on activities, simulations, and problem-solving.
Highlight the focus on inclusivity, accessible instruction, and real-world connections.

Poster Exploration & Hands-On Engagement (5–15 min)

Guide attendees through key sections of the poster:
Sample student activities and experiments.
Visual models of quantum concepts such as polarization, superposition, and entanglement.
Examples of student work and reflections.
Facilitate hands-on mini-experiments or demonstrations to make abstract quantum phenomena tangible.
Encourage attendees to interact with visual aids and experiment props.

Discussion & Peer Exchange (15–25 min)

Prompt attendees to discuss how they could adapt QCaMP activities for their own classrooms or programs.
Encourage sharing of ideas, challenges, and strategies for inclusive STEM instruction.
Highlight approaches for integrating external curriculum resources and industry insights.

Wrap-Up & Takeaways (25–30 min)

Summarize key strategies and lessons learned from implementing QCaMP.
Provide attendees with actionable ideas for fostering computational thinking, analytical reasoning, and curiosity in students.
Offer time for final questions and reflection.

Engagement Tactics Throughout:
Hands-on mini-experiments and sample activities to illustrate abstract concepts.
Peer-to-peer discussion prompted by reflection questions.
Visual cues, props, and student work to encourage exploration and dialogue.
Opportunities for attendees to reflect on how to adapt strategies in their own context.

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Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:
Design inclusive, hands-on STEM activities that translate complex quantum science concepts into accessible learning experiences for diverse students.
Integrate external curriculum resources and industry-informed materials into classroom or program instruction to connect abstract theory with real-world applications.
Guide students through inquiry-based exploration and problem-solving, supporting the development of computational thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
Model strategies for scaffolding learning, breaking complex problems into manageable components, and facilitating student experimentation with emerging scientific concepts.
Reflect on and adapt instructional practices to foster curiosity, confidence, and engagement in students exploring advanced STEM topics.

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Supporting research

Supporting Research * 

Book: “Quantum in Pictures: A New Way to Understand the Quantum World” by Bob Coecke & Stefano Gogioso

Book: "Quantum Picturalism: Empowering Learners of All Ages to Understand Quantum Concepts" by Selma Dündar-Coecke et al.

Website: "Research Unveils New Picture-Based Approach to Teaching Quantum Physics" - cs.ox.ac.uk

Website: "Picturing The Future Quantum Workforce: Visual Thinking May Help Break Quantum Education Barriers" - thequantuminsider.com

Book: "The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity" by George Couros.

Article: "The Role of STEM Festivals in Building Community and Increasing Engagement in Science" by Devarati Bhattacharya and Lisa Gardinier.

Book: "Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age" by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss.

Book: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain" by Zaretta Hammon

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Presenters

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Educational Technology Specialist
Denver Public Schools
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STEM Curriculum Specialist
Denver Public Schools

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Session specifications

Topic:

Curriculum Design

Grade level:

PK-12

Audience:

Curriculum Designer/Director, Teacher, Technology Coach/Trainer

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Subject area:

Computer Science, Interdisciplinary (STEM/STEAM)

ISTE Standards:

For Educators: Designer, Facilitator
For Students: Computational Thinker