Hands-On Quantum: Teaching Core Quantum Concepts with Bloch Cubes

We are in the midst of the second quantum revolution that promises future technologies such as quantum computers, quantum internet and next generation of quantum sensors. However, quantum mechanics is an abstract subject, and therefore challenging to teach. To help improve student understanding of quantum concepts, in this workshop, we will discuss how you can use the Bloch Cube, a hands-on educational tool. Bloch cubes can help your students learn key quantum concepts without equations.

It may be useful to read the related article in The Physics Teacher and watch a series of videos we have created showing how Bloch Cubes can be used to teach concepts such as quantum measurement, quantum dynamics, pure states versus mixed states, and quantum decoherence before the workshop although it is not required. During the workshop, you will work with one or two Bloch Cubes - mark blank dice according to Fig. 3 of the article. You should also have a regular coin with a head and a tail. 

Facilitators:

• Jeremy Levy and Chandralekha Singh (University of Pittsburgh)