Developing Quantum Education in Introductory Physics

We present our work at a large public university modernizing the calculus-based introductory physics curriculum for STEM students through the careful introduction of quantum-related concepts as well as foundational mathematical tools seen as highly relevant for students learning quantum science. Our strategy distinguishes topical quantum concepts, such as specific exemplary experiments or physical effects, and separately develops foundational quantum concepts, sometimes in contexts quite removed from explicitly quantum content. The setting for this proposed curricular reform is the active learning studio teaching laboratories developed using scientific teaching principles. The choice of content areas and approach is drawn with feedback from a broad group of advisors drawn from industrial partners, academics in quantum-adjacent engineering and science departments, and local universities to review and advise our efforts. Instructional development tools will be made to help expand the set of qualified instructors in quantum science education specially at the foundational level, and strong interaction with our university’s Early College Experience will involve training of secondary school instructors in our efforts.