From the mysteries of light waves to the strange behavior of particles, the Wonders of Quantum Physics program is bringing quantum science into today’s classrooms. Developed through the Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN) center funded by the National Science Foundation, the program designs and distributes hands-on experimental kits that help K–12 students explore the building blocks of quantum science— no fancy lab equipment required.
“This program gives students a chance to engage directly with concepts that usually only exist in textbooks,” said Sarah Parker, the HQAN outreach program manager who develops and tests the kits. “We’ve seen students light up when they see the experiments in action — that ‘wow factor’ is exactly what we’re aiming for.”
Launched as an offshoot of University of Wisconsin–Madison’s long-running Wonders of Physics outreach program, Wonders of Quantum Physics connects teachers and students with hands-on activities that make abstract concepts tangible. Each kit is carefully designed to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) — developed by a consortium of 26 states and published in 2013 — by tying complex quantum ideas to existing science classroom topics like wave properties, light, and information transmission and storage.
The NGSS contains no explicit standards for quantum science, so the program fills an important gap by helping to increase students’ exposure to the fast-growing sector. Quantum technology has the potential to drive significant job creation, with analysts projecting as many as 191,000 jobs at all levels in the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region alone by 2035.
“We’re planting seeds,” said Jennifer Choy, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at UW–Madison and lead for Education and Workforce Development, and Partnerships at HQAN. “Quantum technologies are going to shape the future, and giving students an early, hands-on experience helps them imagine themselves as the scientists and engineers who will build that future.”
Since its launch five years ago, the program has distributed over 2,500 kits to classrooms in 27 states across the US. In 2025, the Chicago Quantum Exchange leveraged a network built for the NSF Regional Engines development award to increase distribution across Wisconsin and Illinois, providing 675 kits to about 6,200 K-12 students in both states. Through collaboration with the National Q-12 Education Partnership, the program is expanding its reach nationally, aiming to prepare a new generation of learners for careers in science, technology, engineering, and quantum research.
“Wonders of Quantum Physics has been instrumental in helping teachers introduce quantum concepts to students of all ages,” said Emily Edwards, associate research professor at Duke University and co-lead of the National Q-12 Education Partnership. “Moreover, federal investments in educational initiatives like Wonders are crucial for turning policy ideas and pilot projects into long-lasting educational value for students everywhere.”
When asked in follow-up surveys if they would like to learn more about quantum science, students’ responses were enthusiastic.
“Yeah, because it genuinely is a very interesting thing and I thought the experiment we did was very cool,” said one.
“Yes, I love doing science and I think that the study of how we can apply physical phenomena that is largely inconceivable to humans is very interesting and fun,” said another.
One kit explores wave-particle duality: students use a laser through various 3D-printed double-slit filters to see the interference patterns and learn about how light can behave as both a particle and a wave. Another kit uses polarized filters and cellophane tape to create color-shifting art, combining creativity with physics, while a third teaches electron transitions through glow-in-the-dark stars.
“Wonders makes quantum less of a mystery and more of an invitation,” said CQE Director of Education and Workforce Development Emily Easton, who also serves as director of education and workforce development at HQAN. “I love that kits are in a huge range of schools in both urban and rural areas —reminding us that the next quantum scientist could be sitting anywhere and just needs that spark of interest to start on the path.”
Feedback from educators has been very positive. Teachers report high student engagement, improved comprehension, and stronger collaborative learning.
“The students were really interested in doing the activity and had fun with it,” one teacher wrote in the feedback form. “I thought the kits were great.”
Kits are distributed each spring to coincide with World Quantum Day in April, and demand is high — registration often fills up quickly. Educators can sign up for updates on the 2026 kit application cycle.
“The Wonders of Quantum Physics program builds on UW–Madison’s long tradition of public science outreach,” Choy said. “With support from NSF, HQAN and the Q-12 Education Partnership, we aim to expand quantum literacy and inspire broader public engagement with quantum science.”