HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The STARBASE Academy here will host a virtual workshop to lay foundations and report developments of quantum science education May 14 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Quantum science includes the physics of particles at the sub-atomic level, where workshop educators from STARBASE, the University of Massachusetts Boston and American University, say matter behaves much differently than intuition would suggest.
Dr. Peter Holden, STARBASE director here, said this workshop will be one of many discussions of how to incorporate quantum material into classrooms, noting that these are the curriculum elements and key concepts teachers should emphasize earlier in the process.
“Educating the future generation of quantum scientists must begin with their basic understanding at the grade- or high school-level, as opposed to their first exposure being college,” he said.
Workshop organizers believe quantum engineering could solve some of the most important problems in chemistry, material science, drug or vaccine development, and revolutionize communication security.
“Quantum technology is poised to make a transition from scientific exploration to engineering applications,” said Nathan Harshman, NASA’s District of Columbia Space Grant Consortium director and AU physics professor. “When that happens, we want there to be a workforce in place ready to innovate, develop and advance this new technology.”
Holden said the workshop is open to anyone interested in joining the conversation of developing quantum education.
“This is a great opportunity for our civilians, enlisted Airmen and officers to be part of an innovative way forward,” said Michael Van Nest, 66th Force Support Squadron Force Development Flight chief.
Individuals can register for the workshop at https://bookwhen.com/starbasehafb.
“There have been major leaps and developments in science and technology over the last century, and I believe we are on the cusp of another,” said Holden. “This could be an evolution as big as electronics itself.”
STARBASE is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Enrichment Academy founded by the Department of Defense. The Hanscom-based academy opened in November 2012.