Abstract:

Quantum information science (QIS) is a rapidly developing field that will have a significant impact on economic and international security, commerce, and technology. Providing teachers with adequate preparation, resources, and support to deliver instruction on the topic is challenging. The US National Science Foundation has funded a project to develop mechanisms for meeting these challenges. We will report on the results on the impact of professional development conducted by our project on teacher understanding of QIS using an innovative model for professional development that attends to teacher implementation of the materials along with content knowledge. In particular, we utilize a trainer of trainer approach, however, the teacher professional development is tied to summer camp experience for students during which the teachers can test their delivery of the material with students in the summer camp. The findings will address both the content understanding in QIS, including notable gaps in understanding, as well teacher confidence in implementing this instruction in their High School classrooms.

Keywords:

Teacher Professional Development, Quantum Information Science, High School.