Preparing students for a world increasingly shaped by quantum technologies begins with identifying the core ideas that help them reason about quantum information science and technology (QIST). These ideas include understanding how quantum systems work, how quantum computing differs from classical computing, and why these differences matter for society.
These foundational concepts serve two purposes:
They provide learners with logical latchpoints and conceptual frameworks for engaging with QIST content, supporting the continued development of quantum awareness as defined in the Colorado K–12 Quantum Blueprint.
They align with and reinforce the existing STEM standards (science, math, and computer science), ensuring that secondary students can meaningfully connect QIST ideas to their broader STEM learning.
Understanding atomic structure and electron behavior:
Builds the foundation for quantum states, energy levels, and qubit behavior through models of atomic structure, electron configuration, and periodic trends. (HS‑PS1‑1, HS‑PS1‑8)
Modeling bonding and molecular structure:
Reinforces how electron interactions create stable structures, similar to quantum principles such as energy minimization, orbitals, and probability distributions. (HS‑PS1‑2, HS‑PS1‑3)
Conserving mass, energy, and charge in reactions: Connects directly to quantum conservation laws governing particle interactions, transitions, and measurement outcomes. (HS‑PS1‑7)
Investigating electrostatic and gravitational forces: Strengthens understanding of forces relevant to quantum systems, including interactions that affect qubit control, ion trapping, and particle behavior. (HS‑PS2‑4)
Exploring electric and magnetic fields: Introduces the field concepts needed to understand how qubits are manipulated using magnetic fields, electric potentials, and electromagnetic pulses. (HS‑PS2‑5, HS‑PS3‑5)
Analyzing energy transfer and transformations in fields: Supports understanding of quantum energy transitions, photon absorption/emission, and the role of fields in quantum technologies. (HS‑PS3‑1, HS‑PS3‑2)
Modeling wave behavior and interference: Provides evidence for wave‑particle duality through analysis of diffraction, interference, and wave propagation—core demonstrations of quantum behavior. (HS‑PS4‑1, HS‑PS4‑3)
Evaluating electromagnetic radiation: Deepens understanding of photons as quantum energy packets, relevant for quantum communication, sensing, and computing. (HS‑PS4‑4)
Incorporating QIS into High School Chemistry Classrooms
In many chemistry classes, there may be natural points of integration around topics such as atomic and molecular structure, orbitals, spectroscopy, and electron configuration. Explore Resources
Incorporating QIS into High School Physics Classrooms
In many physics classes, there may be natural points of integration around topics such as modern physics, electricity and magnetism, properties of light, and circuits. Explore Resources
Incorporating QIS into High School Math & Computer Science Classrooms
Because of recent advances in the production of quantum computers and their associated potential to revolutionize society, quantum computing has been the subject of increasing media attention. Quantum computing leverages quantum mechanical phenomena to perform computation in new ways. Therefore, the integration of QIS into Computer Science and Math courses is a promising potential avenue for introducing students to QIS concepts. Explore Math Resources - Explore Computer Science Resources
Instructional Resources for Quantum Educators
The CDE has curated a short list of ready-made lesson plans and resources that can help you bring quantum information science and technology into the classroom:
The Two Golden Rules of Quantum Mechanics: A hands-on lesson on quantum superposition and measurement principles using light polarization. It covers concepts like probability in quantum mechanics and wave function collapse. (Click here to view lesson)
Quantum Cryptography: Teaches how quantum superposition and measurement can ensure secure communication. It uses a quantum key distribution protocol to illustrate quantum cryptography. (Click here to view lesson)
Wave-Particle Duality, Revisited: Explores both wave and particle behavior in quantum objects through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer experiment. Students model wave-particle duality and analyze real lab data. (Click here to view lesson)
Quantum Computing with Interferometers: Introduces quantum algorithms using the Deutsch-Josza problem, highlighting superposition and quantum computing principles. (Click here to view lesson)
The Uncertainty Principle: An experiment-driven activity where students use laser pointers to explore the uncertainty principle by observing the relationship between position and momentum in quantum systems. (Click here to view lesson)
Superposition with Cards: Exploring quantum superposition of qubits (Click here to view lesson)
Quantum Guess Who? In this activity, students explore quantum algorithms and quantum parallelism through a quantum adaptation of the board game “Guess Who?” (Click here to view lesson)
Communication without Speaking: In this activity, students learn about alternative modes of communicating information. The teacher and an assistant perform a card trick and a connection is made to cryptography - using both classical and quantum computers. (Click here to view lesson)
CalTech’s Quantum Realm: Activities for middle and high school students
CU-Boulder’s resources: QIST lessons for high school students
If you want to give your students the opportunity to take a quantum course, check out QubitxQubit, a program from The Coding School, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to emerging technology education, which is offering a virtual 2025-2026 course for high school students.
