30 June 2025 to 4 July 2025
Leiden University, Gorlaeus building
Europe/Amsterdam timezone
The call for papers will be out in August. Please already prepare your paper.

Formal and informal approaches to quantum mechanics using quantum cryptography

4 Jul 2025, 09:40
20m
C4/5 (Gorlaeus 'schotel')

C4/5

Gorlaeus 'schotel'

Einsteinweg 57 2333 CC Leiden
Oral presentation Quantum education (QUANT) Parallel oral presentations QUANT

Speaker

Maria Bondani (CNR - Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies)

Description

Quantum technologies rely on superposition and entanglement, concepts that challenge classical physics and provide a rich context for teaching. We developed a course for high school teachers that focused on quantum cryptography and used Thorlabs' educational equipment for hands-on learning. The course covered quantum mechanics, light polarization, and the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol through theoretical and experimental sessions. In addition, a card game was introduced as a public outreach tool to interactively perform the BB84 protocol. Feedback from teachers confirmed the feasibility of integrating these concepts into curricula to promote quantum literacy and engagement in secondary education.

Education level Pre-service and in-service teacher education
Physics topic Quantum mechanics
Research focus Competence-based education
Research method Educational design research (Qualitative research)
Organizing preference criteria Physics topic

Author

Maria Bondani (CNR - Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies)

Co-author

Presentation materials