Creating Standards-Aligned K–12 Quantum Curriculum Materials and Teacher Supports

K–12 education poses challenging circumstances for engaging and preparing diverse students in quantum information science (QIS). QIS learning must compete with established topics already crowding out electives; teachers are likely underprepared having taken only a single quantum mechanics class, if any physics at all; and students lack mathematical preparation—particularly underserved students who are already likely to miss out on future QIS learning opportunities.



However, K–12 teachers can successfully teach topics outside of their expertise given sufficient supports including well-run professional development, daily lesson plans, formative and summative assessments, and on-going school-year support. Additionally, there are three sets of well-known K–12 STEM standards that can motivate schools and teachers to make room for quantum and help curriculum developers create developmentally appropriate materials: those for mathematics (CCSSM), science (NGSS), and computer science (CSTA).



Join a seasoned K–12 STEM curriculum developer for an overview of the teacher supports necessary at the K–12 level; the QIS-related K–12 standards; and how to design opportunities for teachers to customize and differentiate materials to the cultures and prior learning experiences of their students.