This week, the First All-Russian Summer School for Physics teachers on quantum computing is being held at MEPhI. Teachers are introduced to modern scientific trends and achievements in the creation of domestic quantum computers. Teachers from the Republic of Tatarstan, Sverdlovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Tomsk and Vladimir regions are improving their skills within the framework of the program "Teaching the basics of quantum computing in secondary schools". The project is being implemented jointly by Rosatom State Corporation, MEPhI, the Russian Quantum Center and the Atom Foundation.
The head of the educational and scientific center "Quantum Engineering" Yana Lyakhova introduces the latest achievements of quantum technologies to school teachers. Among other MEPhI professors who take part in this summer school are Alexey Solovyov, Konstantin Lukyanov, Anton Volkov and Fyodor Ushakov. The summer school program includes classes with Russian researchers involved in the development of quantum computing, as well as participation in the educational program of the Atom pavilion at VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy is a permanent general purpose trade show and amusement park in Moscow, Russia. Between 1991 and 2014, it was also called the All-Russia Exhibition Centre.).
The topics of the classes include the issues of quantum computing, the quantum Internet, quantum encryption, the practical application of quantum computers, as well as modern discoveries in the field of physics in general. Tomorrow, on August 8, the participants of the School will visit the Russian Quantum Center in Skolkovo. The purpose of the program is to integrate innovative approaches to teaching quantum physics into the practice of working with schoolchildren, as well as to develop competencies in the field of professions of the future – to stimulate students' interest in promising fields of science and technology.
As Yana Lyakhova notes, an important distinguishing feature of this professional development program is the large amount of practical training that students take. Teachers work with modern equipment used in quantum laboratories, in particular with laser technology and fiber-optic systems, solve problems and cases. For example, the participants of the School were asked to complete the practical part of the task, which was given to the finalists of the profile "Quantum Engineering" of the National Technological Olympiad for schoolchildren. By the way, registration for the new Olympiad cycle will begin on August 27 and last until October 21, 2024.
During these classes, students also learn new interactive teaching methods and learn about educational and subsequently career prospects for schoolchildren. As both teachers and students of the program note, such events are very important, because they not only inspire the participants, but also give them aims and working tools for their students. The developers and teachers of the Quantum School have every reason to believe that the program is going well, and intend to hold such events regularly, attracting new listeners to them.
