Development of Research-Based Tools for Teaching Quantum Mechanics

该奖项支持继续开发、评估和传播用于本科课程的量子互动学习教程(被子)和同行教学工具，以培养未来的科学家和工程师，满足高科技工作场所的需求。考虑到全球经济越来越依赖基于量子现象的科学和技术，对大多数科学家和工程师来说，扎实掌握量子物理的基本原理是至关重要的。通过对基本量子过程的理解，单电子晶体管、SQUID、量子井激光器和其他创新的量子设备成为可能。然而，量子物理是一门技术上困难且抽象的学科。这一主题使教学变得相当具有挑战性；有能力的学生不断努力掌握基本概念。为了保持美国在科学技术领域的领先地位，确保准备在科学和工程领域就业的高级本科生(和研究生)牢牢掌握量子物理的基本概念是至关重要的。Quilts和同行教学工具基于认知-学徒制学习模式，强调建模、指导和断奶。为了帮助教师，基于概念和基于问题的被子和同伴教学工具将与大多数常见教科书一起使用。然而，将尽一切努力确保不同的模块作为一个连贯的整体结合在一起，并帮助学生以分层的方式组织他们的知识。一些工具让学生接触到当代和令人兴奋的主题，例如可以使用简单的两级系统教授的量子密码学。

This award supports the continued development, assessment, and dissemination of Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorials (QuILT) and peer-instruction tools for undergraduate courses to prepare future scientists and engineers for the demands of the high-tech workplace. A solid grasp of the fundamental principles of quantum physics is essential for most scientists and engineers, considering that the global economy has become increasingly dependent on science and technology based upon quantum phenomena. Single electron transistors, SQUIDs, quantum-well lasers, and other innovative quantum devices are made possible by an understanding of the underlying quantum processes. However, quantum physics is a technically difficult and abstract subject. The subject matter makes instruction quite challenging; able students constantly struggle to master basic concepts. To sustain U.S. leadership in science and technology, it is critical to ensure that advanced undergraduate students (and graduate students) preparing for careers in science and engineering develop a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts of quantum physics.QuILTs and peer-instruction tools are based upon a cognitive-apprenticeship model of learning and emphasize modeling, coaching and weaning. To aid instructors, the concept-based and problem-based QuILTs and peer-instruction tools will be keyed with most of the common textbooks. However, every effort will be made to ensure that the different modules fit together as a coherent whole and help students organize their knowledge in a hierarchical fashion. Some tools expose students to contemporary and exciting topics such as quantum cryptography that can be taught using simple two-level systems.