7 vials filled with quantum dots which are lit up and emit colored light

Quantum

A compilation of quantum public engagement and professional learning resources. Also included are resources for annual events including World Quantum Day held April 14.

What is Quantum?

Quantum is the Latin word for amount and we use it to mean the smallest possible discrete unit of any physical property, such as energy or matter.  For example, the smallest amount of electricity is a single electron, and the smallest unit of light is a photon. The science of these small particles is called quantum mechanics.

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. Classical physics theories describe many aspects of nature at a macroscopic (ordinary) scale, but is not able to describe the subatomic scale.

Quantum information science (QIS) is an area of STEM that makes use of the laws of quantum physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, processing, or measurement of information. 

Quantum World Quantum Day logo April 14

World Quantum Day (April 14)

Videos

Related Resources

Facilitator showing a spring toy prop from the presentation

Making Molecular Movies with QSTORM

In this stage presentation, learners are introduced to an interdisciplinary research project making advances in biological imaging.
Photograph of an Apple iPhone motherboard.

Computer Science

A compilation of public engagement computing and computer science resources. Also included are resources for annual events including CS Week and the Hour of Code.
Title slide for the presentation showing a computer chip

The Future of Computing

In this stage presentation, learners are asked to consider how smaller, faster, better computers in the future might impact their lives after a short presentation.
Visitors line up by size in Get in Order - large size powers of 10 cards featuring an Earth card

Size, Scale, & Measurement

A compilation of activities and resources focused on size, scale, and measurement. Resources can be incorporated into annual events including Metric Day, Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, World Quantum Day, DNA Day, NanoDays, Earth and space events, and more.
Educator and children exploring hydrophobic properties of lotus leaf and nano nano pants in NanoDays activity

NanoDays Kit

Public programs, hands-on activities, and professional development resources about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology and their impact on society.

Exhibits

Viewing the Unexpected Properties exhibit from the right

Unexpected Properties exhibit

Quantum Dots exhibit that was part of the Nanotechnology: What's the Big Deal? exhibition that demonstrates how materials at the nanoscale can have unexpected properties.

Scientific Images

Scientific Image - Quantum Corral (side view)

Magnified image of quantum corral using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope.

Scientific Image - Quantum Corral (top view)

Illustration of quantum corral using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope.