This summer, three Hempstead Middle School teachers had the opportunity to experience the Prairie View A&M University QuanTime: Quantum Science Workshop for K-12 Educators.
In partnership with the Sandia National Laboratories’ START HBCU Program, Quantum Systems Accelerator, and the National Q-12 Education Partnership, Prairie View A&M University was able to offer this incredible learning opportunity to Hempstead ISD and other school districts across the state.
Teachers participated in a day of interactive learning to make quantum science easily understood and engaging. In addition to the lectures, they worked on activities including Binary Bracelets, Superposition Tops, the “Taste of Quantum” activity, Quantum Transition Flashlights, and a Polarization Activity.
According to the Prairie View A&M University press release, “Quantum science often sounds like something reserved for research laboratories or college physics courses; workshop organizers wanted to show that foundational concepts can be introduced to students through engaging activities that spark curiosity and critical thinking.”
The teachers were able to apply what they learned by working side by side with Sandia scientists to lead many of the same hands-on activities for incoming PVAMU Summer Bridge students.
The program hopes to continue to prepare educators and students for careers in STEM fields.