Quantum Mechanics for Everyone with Virtual Sims
Price
TBA
Duration
2 Quarters, 1 Semester
Table of Contents
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COURSE OBJECTIVE
Why should physicists be the only ones to have fun? Quantum mechanics is one of the most amazing scientific achievements of all time. Everyone should know what it is about.
The goal of Quantum Mechanics for Everyone with Virtual Sims is to make it accessible to you. You'll learn the fundamental notions of quantum mechanics at a level that is accessible to everyone. Quantum Mechanics for Everyone with Sims teaches the basic ideas of quantum mechanics with a method that requires no complicated math beyond taking square roots (and you can use a calculator for that). Quantum theory is taught without “dumbing down” any of the material, giving you the same version experts use in current research. The course includes "thought experiments" and dozens of interactive quantum simulations.
Quantum Mechanics for Everyone with Sims covers the quantum mystery of the two-slit experiment and advanced topics that include how to see something without shining light on it (quantum seeing in the dark) and bunching effects of photons (Hong-Ou-Mandel effect).
You will spend a minimum of 40% of virtual in-person instructional time engaged in inquiry-based hands-on interactives and simulations during which they will make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and support claims with evidence in a collaborative setting.
COURSE FORMAT
The class meets 90 minutes twice a week (M/W or T/Th) for 20 weeks. Like all other courses in our curriculum, Quantum Mechanics for Everyone with Virtual Sims consists of two components: asynchronous and synchronous learning.
We use the Quantum Mechanics for Everyone course for the asynchronous flipped classroom portion of the course. This makes up 50% of your overall grade.
Your academy instructor will facilitate the virtual in-person synchronous portion of the course. This makes up 50% of your overall grade.
Asynchronous Learning
Quantum Mechanics for Everyone was created by Dr. James Freericks, a Professor of Physics, at Georgetown University. Neither Dr. Freericks nor Georgetown University is responsible for any changes made to the original materials, and any such changes are the sole responsibility of Epic Edventures and our instructor.
In Quantum Mechanics for Everyone, Professor Freericks breaks down quantum mechanics concepts with bite-sized lessons consisting of short reading assignments, video lectures, and simulations which are organized into topical modules that improve comprehension and retention, making learning fun and engaging. Each lesson has a quick quiz to help you measure your "first exposure learning" during the pre-work phase before class. At the end of each module, you will complete a test to see if you're ready to move on or have some material to review.
You should expect to spend 50-70 minutes per week on these homework assignments. The academy intentionally schedules no classes on Fridays to provide dedicated time for homework assignments and out-of-class projects.
Synchronous Learning
Our academy instructor, who will also serve as your Gamemaster, will facilitate the live, virtual classroom sessions, which will supplement and build upon the Quantum Mechanics for Everyone course. Additionally, they will answer any questions you may have about the asynchronous material.
With very few exceptions, all assignments are to be completed during class.
Our in-person sessions are designed to make learning fun and interactive! Here's what you can expect:
Interactive discussions: We will delve deeper into key concepts from the asynchronous material and address any common misconceptions.
Team-based activities: You'll work collaboratively with your fellow students to earn points and badges, and climb the leaderboard as you embark on quantum edventures!
Exams
There will be a comprehensive mid-term exam over all content covered during that quarter (Modules 1 and 2) and a comprehensive final exam over all content (Modules 3 and 4) covered since the preceding mid-term. Each of these exams is weighted equally.
COURSE TOPICS
Modules: 4; Lessons: 65
PEER-REVIEW THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS
This course incorporates interactive peer-review thought experiments throughout the modules, where you'll crack the code on perplexing scenarios that defy classical physics. Prepare to tackle mind-bending scenarios that will challenge you to apply your knowledge of quantum mechanics and solve problems unlike anything you've encountered before! Imagine seeing the unseen, measuring the unmeasurable!
To enhance your learning experience, you'll receive feedback from your classmates and provide constructive feedback to others. The instructor will provide clear rubrics outlining expectations for each assignment, ensuring your feedback is both specific and helpful. Providing constructive peer review is an essential part of the learning process and will contribute to your final grade. Participating in peer review offers valuable practice in critical thinking, communication, and effective feedback, all vital skills for success in this course and beyond.
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION BOARD
Each module features an interactive discussion board powered by Discussion Hero, a gamified platform developed by Northwestern University. Students choose between "hero" and "villain" roles and avatars, earning points for their contributions. This fosters a sense of competition and engagement, making discussions even more rewarding.
Benefits of Participating in Discussions:
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Go beyond memorization and passive learning by analyzing information, evaluating different perspectives, and forming your own conclusions.
Enhance communication skills: Practice clear communication, learn to articulate your ideas effectively, and develop respectful listening and rebuttal skills.
Fosters a collaborative learning environment: Learn from each other, share knowledge, and collaborate on problem-solving, creating a dynamic and enriching learning community.
Deepen your understanding of the content: Actively engaging with the course material through discussion solidifies and expands your understanding beyond lectures and readings.
Provides diverse perspectives: Discussions expose you to different viewpoints and interpretations, encouraging critical thinking and broadening your understanding of the subject matter.
Offers opportunities for self-reflection: Examining your own thoughts and arguments in response to prompts and engaging with others' perspectives helps solidify your learning and identify areas for further exploration.
Apply knowledge to real-world scenarios: Apply course concepts to real-world situations through discussions, enhancing the material's relevance.
Build a digital learning portfolio: Discussions serve as a reference for your learning journey, allowing you to revisit key concepts and track your progress.
Develop digital literacy: Discussions provide a platform to practice online communication etiquette, including respectful disagreement, constructive argumentation, and responsible information sharing.
To actively engage in meaningful learning and reap the benefits mentioned above, participation in each module's discussion board is expected and will contribute to your overall grade. Your instructor will provide a clear rubric within Discussion Hero outlining the expectations for participation and how your contributions will be evaluated. This ensures consistent and transparent assessment while allowing you to showcase your understanding and critical thinking skills throughout the course.
PEER-REVIEW CAPSTONE PROJECT
You’ve grasped an important and challenging scientific theory, concept or principle. Now it’s time to share your insight into this big breakthrough idea. In this project, you'll transform your scientific knowledge into an engaging video, honing your communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills. You'll also have the opportunity to compete in the Breakthough Junior Challenge (BJC), a prestigious global science competition for high-school students with exciting prizes!
As long as your subject relates to physics or mathematics in some manner, you are encouraged to also submit your final capstone project to the BJC!
If your video is selected as the Winner, you will receive:
If you’re looking for guidance, you can see some of the prior years’ top-scoring entries here and the playlist below. But remember, to show ‘creativity’ your film should be as original as possible.
COURSE OUTCOMES
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Describe how we measure the properties of a quantum particle in the world of the ultrasmall
Solve basic problems in probability
Describe what the quantum phenomenon of spin is and how it is manipulated by magnets
Explain what the quantum mystery is and why quantum phenomena cannot be explained with a local hidden-variable description
Apply quantum ideas to describe the Stern-Gerlach experiment, partial reflection of light, interaction-free measurements, and particle indistinguishability
PREREQUISITES
The math prerequisite is high school-level math, primarily algebra, with a little trigonometry.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
After completing this course, you have the option of obtaining a certificate of completion for an additional nominal fee.
The Course Certificate includes:
The course name
The lead instructor's signature
The logo of Georgetown University
A verification URL that allows others to check the Certificate's authenticity
A statement that confirms the identity of the learner who completed the course
The Course Certificate does not include:
Academic credit from Georgetown University
The final grade you got in the course
Your Instructor
TBD
