Inspiring the Next Generation: Teaching Optics and Photonics to Young Minds in the Age of New Technologies

The interactive session is designed as an exchange between colleagues and physics educators to explore and discuss new possibilities, approaches, and tools in the teaching of physics, with a particular focus on optics and photonics.

Under the motto: “Quantum Physics Unleashed – Navigate the fascinating Double-Slit Experiment. Step into a digital universe where quantum weirdness becomes an interactive journey, transforming abstract physics into a breathtaking visual experience,” the double-slit experiment will be presented in a virtual reality (VR) environment. For this purpose, the experiment has been visualized using Unity and implemented on a Pico 4 headset. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the experiment in an immersive manner.

The use of simulations is demonstrated through the example of determining the specific charge (e/m). For this purpose, we have developed an app that realistically simulates the experiment. Using the app, it is possible to determine the specific charge of the electron for various parameters.

Birds of Science

Birds of Science is a collaborative art and science project in which participants craft origami birds from the pages of their scientific writings or their notebooks. These origami birds come together as they are created to form a breathtaking large-scale installation, symbolizing the knowledge, science, and the collective journey of ideas taking flight.

Birds of Science is created and directed by NCCR SPIN.

NCCR SPIN

Hidden Variables is a 3D art and science installation co-produced with young researchers at the NCCR SPIN in Switzerland. It was realized using discarded scientific data from theory or experimental equipment and measurements to highlight the important role of failure in the scientific journey.

Hidden Variables

What lies behind a single scientific breakthrough? A journey of trials and errors, ups and downs, successes and failures, and above all, an investment of time. At the intersection between art and science, a team of six dedicated quantum computing scientists comes to show you the hidden beauty within lost data and failed measurements – essential components in the pursuit of even the most subtle scientific insights.

EXPLORING SPACE: A Space & Military Intelligence Learning Experience

Join us June 9-13, 2025, in Washington, DC, for a week filled with community building and “good, old-fashioned family fun” – complete with uncomfortable conversations, games of capture the flag, and leading the quantum revolution. Summer camp is about learning from new experiences and growing together to become better humans.

We will have activities for the whole family; however, the week is geared towards helping individuals 13-25 years old begin their journey into the future with a Competency-based Portfolio built for a future in quantum intelligence, ethical social engineering, and sustainable globalization (or similar fields) to support the workforce needs of the future. The Competency-based Curriculum and Supplemental Learning Activities are meant to enhance the public schooling experience and teach open-source research techniques that will aid students in their learning journey.

IV Gincana Cultura e Esportiva do Colégio Santa Luzia – 100 anos de Quantum

A IV Gincana Cultural e Esportiva se propõe a ser um projeto transformador, adaptado aos princípios da responsabilidade social, da filantropia e da interação, atendendo aos requisitos da BNCC. Este projeto visa proporcionar momentos repletos de atividades que incentivem o aprendizado, a criatividade e a integração entre os alunos, destacando a importância do papel de cada estudante na sociedade.
As atividades propostas irão: Ampliar conhecimento científico; promover a responsabilidade social: através de ações de solidariedade Fomentar a filantropia, incentivando os alunos a praticar a compaixão e a generosidade. Estimular a interação: A gincana proporcionará momentos de integração entre os alunos de diferentes séries e segmentos, fortalecendo os laços de amizade. Sendo um importante projeto para o desenvolvimento das competências gerais da BNCC – Base Nacional Comum Curricular para o Ensino Fundamental Anos Finais e Ensino Médio a saber: conhecer e explorar diferentes práticas de linguagem; utilizar diferentes linguagens, mídias e ferramentas digitais em processos de produção coletiva; compreender as linguagens como construções históricas, sociais, científicas, culturais e humanas; utilizar linguagens diferentes, como verbal, corporal, visual, sonora e digital. Portanto, a gincana será muito mais do que uma atividade recreativa, será uma experiência de aprendizado significativa, que contribua para a formação integral dos estudantes, preparando-os para serem cidadãos mais conscientes, responsáveis e engajados na construção de uma sociedade mais justa e equitativa.

A UNESCO celebra 2025 como o Ano Internacional da Ciência e das Tecnologias Quânticas. E esse será o tema da nossa gincana. A escolha do tema “A UNESCO celebra 2025 como o Ano Internacional da Ciência e das Tecnologias Quânticas” se justifica pela relevância atual dessas áreas no avanço da ciência e da tecnologia. Este tema permitirá que os alunos se familiarizem com conceitos e inovações que podem moldar o futuro, como computação quântica, criptografia quântica e novos materiais. Além disso, o estímulo ao interesse científico com a inclusão desse tema na gincana pode despertar a curiosidade e o interesse dos alunos pela ciência, incentivando a busca por conhecimento em um campo que está em expansão e que possui um grande potencial para transformar diversas indústrias. As tecnologias quânticas interagem com várias disciplinas, como física, matemática, informática e engenharia. Isso permite que os alunos integrem conhecimentos de diferentes áreas e desenvolvam uma visão mais holística sobre como a ciência pode ser aplicada em diversas situações. Trabalhar com temas complexos como a ciência quântica estimula o desenvolvimento de habilidades do pensamento crítico e criatividade.

Os alunos precisarão encontrar formas de entender e apresentar essas ideias de maneira acessível e interessante, promovendo um aprendizado ativo. Celebrar um ano internacional dedicado a um tema científico ajuda a promover valores como colaboração e um compromisso global com a ciência para o bem comum, alinhando-se com a missão da UNESCO de fomentar a paz e a segurança por meio da educação, ciência e cultura. A gincana pode ser uma excelente oportunidade para os alunos trabalharem em equipe, desenvolvendo projetos e atividades baseados nas tecnologias quânticas, o que promove habilidades de colaboração e trabalho em equipe. Discutir as ciências quânticas também permite uma reflexão sobre o futuro das carreiras científicas, inspirando os alunos a considerar seguir caminhos na pesquisa e desenvolvimento neste campo promissor. Ao adotar o tema do Ano Internacional da Ciência e das Tecnologias Quânticas, a gincana do Colégio Santa Luzia não só se torna uma plataforma de diversão e cooperação, mas também um espaço de aprendizado e reflexão sobre o papel da ciência na sociedade moderna.

Super Quantum!

Save the date for Super Quantum! and join us at CERN to celebrate World Quantum Day. This event will explore the fascinating world of quantum science, which holds the potential to profoundly shape the future of science and society.

Super Quantum! will present quantum physics in a fun and accessible way, drawing on its representation in pop culture, such as superheroes and comic books, to captivate audiences of all ages.

Kicking off the event, Géraldine Haack, Assistant Professor in Quantum Physics at the University of Geneva, will offer an introduction to quantum mechanics, accompanied by illustrations from comic book artist Laurent Schafer and his album ‘Quantix’.

Sofia Vallecorsa, coordinator of CERN’s Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI), will then highlight current developments in quantum technologies and share insights on education opportunities in this field.

To conclude, Loïc Mougel, author of ‘La physique quantique par Antman, les Pokémon… & les super-héros !’, will explore how quantum mechanics is interpreted in pop culture, particularly in Marvel movies. He will address the differences between science and fiction, with input from our experts, Géraldine Haack and Sofia Vallecorsa. The audience will also have the opportunity to engage in the discussion.

II International Congress of STEAM Educational Experiences

The International Conference of STEAM Educational Experiences aims to be a forum for all education professionals of all educational stages, people and institutions interested in education, and people who have started their teaching or educational research careers. It aims to be a meeting point for the exchange of experiences and reflections and the creation of synergies between professionals and institutions. There will be many presentations and workshops, both in-person and online. There will be dedicated spaces for: – Educational programming and robotics. – Climate Change. – Citizen Science. – Augmented Reality, cultural heritage, and STEAM. – Quantum Science and Technology (QST) in Education.

The Future Leaders in Quantum Hackathon

The Quantum Coalition and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) proudly present the Future Leaders in Quantum (FLIQ) Virtual Hackathon, a global challenge designed to empower the next generation of quantum innovators.

As part of the UN International Year of Quantum (IYQ), FLIQ brings together students, mentors, and industry leaders from across the world to collaborate, compete, and create real-world quantum solutions. Whether you’re a technical problem solver, an aspiring quantum entrepreneur, or a creative storyteller, FLIQ is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and impactful helping you take your first (or next) step into the quantum world.

Ciència i Tecnologia Quàntica @ Saló de l’Ensenyament

En el marc de l’Any Internacional de la Quàntica, ICFO proposa el següent taller de criptografia quàntica amb fotons de colors.

En un món digital com el nostre, on moltíssima informació sensible (financera, sanitària, etc.) és accessible per internet, la ciberseguretat és fonamental. La criptografia quàntica, basada en les propietats dels objectes a l’escala microscòpica (ex. àtoms i fotons), promet distribuir les nostres dades de manera més segura, protegint-nos d’eventuals noves tecnologies que podrien trencar els mètodes criptogràfics actuals i revelant fins i tot la presència d’un espia. Convidarem els visitants a reproduir un sistema de comunicació òptica. Podran crear un codi criptogràfic per enviar informació de manera segura i podran fer-lo servir, enviant llum de diferents colors dins d’una fibra òptica.

Holidays with Polytech! “Principles of Uncertainty in the World”

🔬 We invite schoolchildren to interactive “Principles of Uncertainty in the World” classes, which will be held from March 24 to 28, 2025!
📌 What awaits you?
🔹 Offline classes (from 11:00 to 14:00) – exciting demonstrations, master classes, and scientific experiments in a safe space. You will be able to not only observe but also participate in experiments!
🔹 Online quizzes Kahoot! (from 14:00 to 18:00) – test your knowledge and compete for the title of the smartest!
📍 Where will the events take place?
✅ Offline classes – in a specially prepared location in a shelter in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
✅ Online quizzes – in a convenient format from any device.
🔎 For whom?
This is for schoolchildren interested in science, experiments, and the mysteries of the universe!