Accessible Quantum Computing, Mathematics, and Physics (QCaMP) for High School Students and Teachers

The Quantum Computing, Mathematics, and Physics summer camp (QCaMP) aims to introduce quantum concepts and careers to high school students and teachers through a 3-day long workshop for teachers and a 4-week long camp for students in summer 2024. Quantum sciences are typically stereotyped as challenging and inaccessible, requiring advanced math and physics prerequisites, and are therefore typically withheld until the third or fourth year of physics undergraduate studies. As a result, we see the same paucity of underrepresented communities in quantum science as we do in physics and other STEM fields. QCaMP challenges this stereotype by engaging students and educators in topics ranging from classical bits to quantum key distribution through hands-on experiential learning without any prerequisites. In doing so, we are able to reach underserved and underrepresented populations in New Mexico, which happens to be one of the largest quantum regions in the nation due to the presence of Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos National Lab, and the University of New Mexico. While we found success in teaching tactile and interactive lessons, we have room to improve traditional lecture-style lessons. In this talk, I delve into these learning methods and how we may adjust for future iterations.