Montana teachers invited to apply for free intro to quantum kits from Montana State University

BOZEMAN - Elementary school and middle school teachers from across Montana are invited to apply for free educational kits providing an introduction to quantum. The kits, from Montana State University, will be available for pickup or will be mailed this summer.

Each kit contains several activities that introduce students in grades 4 through 8 to quantum concepts, such as quantum scale, unique quantum properties and emerging quantum technologies. The activities serve as a foundation for future learning in science, technology, engineering and math. No prior knowledge of quantum is necessary; an online training will accompany the kit.

Montana educators who work with students in grades 4-8 are eligible to apply. Applications are open through June 15.

The activities support the Key Concepts for Future QIS (Quantum Information Science) Learners created by the Q-12 Partnership, which is supported by the National Science Foundation, as well as the Montana Science Content Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

Teachers whose applications are accepted may pick up their kit at the STEM Summer Institute, which is scheduled for Aug. 3-5 on the MSU campus in Bozeman. Kits will be mailed to those whose applications are accepted but who will not be at the summer institute.

The kits were created by the MSU Science Math Resource Center, which oversees K-12 education and workforce development for QCORE, MSU's Applied Quantum CORE. QCORE - which stands for Quantum Collaborative Research and Education - is a high-tech facility built on Montana's deep expertise in photonics and cryogenics that positions the university to identify and address grand challenges in quantum systems. QCORE exists to steward the development of transformative quantum technologies. It expands access to cutting-edge infrastructure, fosters the translation of quantum and related innovations, and accelerates quantum workforce development. It is housed in MSU's College of Letters and Science.

More information and a link to the application can be found at https://www.montana.edu/smrc/quantum/kits.html. Questions may be emailed to [email protected].

More information about the STEM Summer Institute can be found at https://www.mt-schools.org/stem-summer-institute-677715.html. To learn more about the Key Concepts for Future QIS Learners, visit https://q12education.org/learning-materials/learning-materials-framework.