Recommendations on quantum education

Abstract

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and The White House have an interest in expanding quantum education in the US. This report summarizes the findings of NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program fellowship and is focused on making recommendations regarding improving and expanding quantum education nationwide. To make informed and effective recommendations, qualitative data was collected regarding the current state of quantum education in the US. The information collected from meeting with experts in the fields of quantum and education was assessed before recommendations and suggestions were made. Topics addressed include guidance for selecting locations to initially focus quantum education efforts, potential problems with teachers incorporating quantum in their instructions, potential solutions to those problems, steps to increase quantum education nationwide, potential quantum programs at universities, the quantum job market, quantum demonstrations at the K-12 level, and quantum curriculum.

KEYWORDS:

• Quantum
• education
• initiative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elena Kuchina

Elena Kuchina is currently working as a Professor in the Physics department at Virginia Peninsula Community College. Her expertise is in high energy physics and undergraduate education. She employs her creativity to come up with new ways to engage with the students to get them interested in and excited about quantum physics and science in general.

Michael Powers

Michael Powers currently works as a mathematics teacher at Chesapeake Public Schools and as On Air co-host of an online environmental science video series at WHRO Public Media. He has background in leadership in education, instructional design, curricula development and implementation, coaching and consulting skills, administrative skills, program development and evaluation.