Quantum computing, which uses quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classic computers, is a notoriously complex area of science that can appear impenetrable to anyone without an advanced degree in math.<\/p>\n
So, is it possible to explain the basics of qubits and quantum entanglement to high school students without any prior knowledge \u2014 over just two days?<\/p>\n
That was the goal of the new Quantum Hacking a Better Future<\/a> camp organized by volunteers from Dalhousie\u2019s Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Held August 8-9 in the Sir James Dunn Building, the camp introduced 11 high schoolers to quantum computing concepts before having them team up and explore how the technology can be used in smart cities.<\/p>\n Funded by the Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE-Atlantic\u2019s) Catalyze and Facilitate<\/a> program, the camp sought participants from equity-deserving groups in science, including girls and members of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n Covering the basics \u201cWe assumed that most students wouldn\u2019t know much about computer science,\u201d says PhD candidate Scott Wesley, the camp\u2019s lead organizer along with his supervisor, Dr. Julien Ross. \u201cThe first day tried to give students the basics without overwhelming them with mathematics.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesley points to new approaches in teaching, such as the book Quantum in Pictures<\/a>, that are more visual and picture-based. \u201cThey get rid of all the scary math, like matrices.\u201d The camp\u2019s first day included lessons and activities presented by Dr. Ross, grad students Linh Dinh and Fahimeh Bayeh, and postdoc Dongho Lee that aimed to introduce key concepts in an accessible way.<\/p>\n Students also had the opportunity to experience using a real quantum computer, via the IBM Quantum Platform<\/a>, and toured the lab space of Dr. Kimberley Hall<\/a>\u2019s Ultrafast Quantum Control Group in the basement of the Dunn Building.<\/p>\n After asking visitors to take off their shoes before entering the dust-sensitive environment, Physics & Atmospheric Science PhD student Jasleen Kaur Jagde walked students through quantum photonics experiments, explaining how single photon sources work and providing a demonstration of how mirrors reflect laser light.<\/p>\n Solving real-world problems What are some of the ways quantum technology can make our world a better place?<\/p>\n One is security. \u201cYou hear a lot about how quantum computing can break security, but it has the potential to make other things a lot more secure,\u201d says Wesley.<\/p>\n \u201cA hot topic is how quantum computing can fit into smart cities and energy efficiency,\u201d he says, noting quantum technology is used in urban planning, such as managing traffic congestion.<\/p>\n On day two, students applied their newfound knowledge, working in teams to complete challenges related to how quantum computing can be used in smart cities, from where to place electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to how quantum sensors can improve weather forecasts.<\/p>\n \u201cThe challenges were more difficult, but with our guidance, they were able to build confidence in the concepts they had learned on the first day while improving their understanding,\u201d says Wesley.<\/p>\n Given that this was the first edition of the camp, he was pleased with how the two days unfolded. \u201cThe students were very engaged throughout. We feel that the event was a great success.\u201d<\/p>\n A post-event comment received from a student summed up the camp\u2019s goal of providing a crash course in quantum computing: \u201cI liked that we got to learn from the basic level and got opportunities to solve more complex, real world related quantum equations.\u201d<\/p>\n Now read:<\/p>\n Students brighten Dal’s new medical campus in Cape Breton with heartfelt art<\/a><\/p>\n
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