The University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) welcomed 17 elementary school classes on campus to learn about quantum information science and technology.
These visits were part of a larger “Kids on Campus” program which provides school students with opportunities to see guest speakers and engage in activities focused on learning more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Organized by Waterloo’s Engineering Outreach, the program includes visits to other stops on campus such as the RoboHub and the Sedra Student Design Centre.
The 17 elementary school classes included students between grades three and six from across the Waterloo Region. The students' visits to IQC kicked off with getting them to talk about their relationship with quantum science and what they thought quantum physics means. Some students related quantum to references in their favourite superhero movies and others hypothesized that quantum was a force that held small objects together.
Lauren Brown, IQC’s Outreach and Education Research Assistant, is a second-year physics student at Waterloo who led the class visits and explained that quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that describes how our universe works at its smallest scale.
“I really love engaging with the young students,” said Brown. “Quantum computing can sometimes sound intimidating at first which is why I like to engage students with topics and activities that are fun and interesting like using computers and rubbing balloons on our hair! I hope students walk away feeling excited about science and less intimidated by technical words like electrostatic or oscillations.
“By introducing this exciting technology to students of every age, we hope to inspire all learners to pursue their interests in science and spark curiosity in quantum mechanics and quantum computing.” said Brown.
Go to IQC Outreach welcomes elementary school students for the full story.