Prior research indicates that secondary students perceive quantum physics as a complex version of Newtonian physic. This raises implications for instruction as quantum physics rests on a set of principles that differ drastically from Newtonian physics. The topic need not be complex, but it does require a conceptual framework for interpretation that is incompatible with Newtonian physics. Research shows that this topic can be introduced in a purely conceptually manner but requires careful guidance from the instructor and necessitates a conceptual shift in students from a Newtonian physics framework. As topics like wave-particle duality and quantum technology find more room in physics curriculum developing appropriate instructional approaches for this realm will become increasingly important. This paper focuses on the implications associated with introducing Quantum physics principles in the secondary classroom and the epistemological challenges that arise during instruction on this exciting, yet challenging subject.

Instructional Implications of Introducing Quantum Physics in the Secondary Classroom

Student exposure to modern physics topics is severely limited in k-12 education. Secondary physics curricula in the U.S. predominantly focus on physics content established prior to the 20th century and rarely address modern topics like quantum physics. Even so, students are frequently exposed to terms such as quantum physics through a variety of contexts prior to post-secondary education. The aim of this study is to analyze secondary student perspectives of the term quantum physics. To do so, a group of secondary physics students were asked to complete a word-association test to establish a baseline of commonalities among student perspectives. The results of the tests revealed significant commonalities among student perspectives with the most common association being complexity. The results of the tests also revealed that students often view quantum physics as a complex version of classical physics.

Students' Pre-Instructional Perspectives of Quantum Physics (PERC)

Secondary physics curricula predominantly focus on physics content established prior to the 20th century (e.g., Newtonian mechanics, conservation of energy). Rarely are students exposed to modern physics topics (e.g., quantum mechanics, special relativity) in their formal education. Even so, students inevitably encounter terms such as “quantum” and “quantum physics” in their everyday lives. The aim of this study is to provide insight on secondary student perspectives of the terms “quantum” and “quantum physics”. While there is a body of research available that analyzes university physics majors’ perspectives of quantum physics topics, little research has been done at the secondary level. Clinical interviews of students at a Midwestern high school are conducted to establish commonalities among perspective of quantum physics topics.

Students' Pre-Instructional Perspectives of Quantum Physics

Students' Pre-Instructional Perspectives of Quantum Physics - Poster

PS.F-WE-01: 21st Century Physics in the Classroom

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Join us in exploring emergent themes in PER as a scholarly endeavor and as a research community!  Since its inception, PER has served as a confluence of discipline, theory, research methodology, practice, and application.  How have these facets and the interplays among them been fruitful for physics education globally, regionally, locally, or otherwise?  And, how have our successes and interactions influenced the very nature of PER itself?
Following the lead of AAPT for the summer meeting, PERC 20/20 was virtual. Enjoy browsing the content.

PERC SM 20

Since its inception, PER has served as a confluence of discipline, theory, research methodology, practice, and application.  How have these facets and the interplays among them been fruitful for physics education globally, regionally, locally, or otherwise?  And, how have our successes and interactions influenced the very nature of PER itself?

PAR-F.07 PER Student Content Understanding, Problem Solving & Reasoning III 

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

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AAPT SM 20

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. 

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Instructional Implications of Introducing Quantum Physics in the Secondary Classroom

Students' Pre-Instructional Perspectives of Quantum Physics (PERC)

Students' Pre-Instructional Perspectives of Quantum Physics

Students' Pre-Instructional Perspectives of Quantum Physics - Poster

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