Young students join the quantum "cirque"

Thursday, July 7, 2011

IQC researchers recently showed off the wonders of quantum science to more than 250 students at "Cirque du Science."

Students watching an act at the Cirque du Science
More than 250 elementary school students got a hands-on look at the wonders of quantum science during a recent visit from IQC researchers.

During “Cirque du Science,” students from grades 4 to 8 at St. Matthew Elementary School tinkered with levitating trains, electromagnets and other interactive demonstrations of quantum physics.
The event happened thanks to the enthusiasm of students Amanda Logiudice, Caroline Almada, Andrea Huard and Anne Vandrus, who earned a $1,000 grant from Speak Up, a learning initiative created by Ontario’s Ministry of Education.
“It’s always exciting when we get to bring IQC’s science to young, enthusiastic minds,” said Martin Laforest, manager of scientific outreach at IQC.
The feeling, it seems, was mutual: "You guys were amazing!” the organizers of Cirque Du Science wrote to IQC after the event. “Your professional contribution excited us to no end. It looks like we have inspired quite a few kids to consider a career in science."