Overview
The proposed project, Quantum Education for Students and Teachers (QuEST), a Developing and Testing Innovations partnership between Stony Brook University (SBU) and New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), will advance quantum education, physical science literacy, and the diversity the STEM pipeline through improved quantum science and quantum computing access, teaching, and learning for precollege (grades 8-12) students. Middle and high school science teachers are also key stakeholders and will attend professional development in quantum science instruction, quantum computing applications, and career pathways. QuEST will provide activities in both university (SBU) and informal learning (NYSCI) settings.

Intellectual Merit
QuEST will advance knowledge in quantum science and computing education by assessing and refining programs to improve quantum science teaching and learning, building student passion and confidence in quantum computing. Research activities are aligned with the overarching goals of I-TEST: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers, including (1) the development of quantum science content knowledge and quantum computing practices that promote critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills; and (2) increased student awareness, interest, and knowledge of quantum computing careers and academic pathways. The rigorous research plan will measure both immediate and longitudinal cognitive and affective outcomes for middle and high school students and teachers.

QuEST will employ two approaches. First, the program in quantum teaching laboratories, QuEST Lab, will recruit middle and high school students to participate in quantum science and computing activities, and learning about career pathways in quantum technologies. Strategies include school day and summer activities in quantum science disciplines for diverse students (200 secondary students annually at SBU (n=100) and NYSCI (n=100), 50% young women, 50% from high need schools). Secondly, the program in quantum science and quantum computing professional development, EduQation, will recruit middle and high school teachers from New York State (N=40 annually, 50% from high need schools, 5000 students affected indirectly each year) to participate in site-based quantum science workshops that focus on conceptual learning, applications, and quantum industry career awareness.

Broader Impacts QuEST will develop and research practices in precollege informal quantum science and computing instruction that are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013), and measure student and teacher outcomes in terms of cognitive and affective domains. The broader impacts of this work relate to increased introductory quantum science and computing participation for students from diverse backgrounds who may not have equitable access due to restricted school resources, lack of science course offerings, and limited teacher knowledge about core quantum principles and applications. Students and teachers will participate in program activities, with 50% of participants recruited from high need schools. In QuEST Lab, quantum science conceptual learning and corresponding quantum computing laboratory experiences will relate physical science principles and scientific skills to modern technological advances, which will enhance middle and high school students’ knowledge, skills, sociocognitive domains, STEM career interests, and intentional academic behaviors (800 students in four years, 50% young women). EduQation will incorporate middle and high school science teacher professional development in quantum science principles; this will result in a multiplicative effect on student learning as these teachers implement quantum science and computing in formal physical science instruction (160 teachers in four years, 20,000 students impacted indirectly). Science teachers will improve their disciplinary content knowledge, ability to differentiate classical and quantum concepts, comprehension of technological advances in quantum industries, and understanding of how to educate and advise students about quantum career pathways.