Quantum physics appears in every Australian state's senior physics curriculum—from NSW's "Quanta to Quarks" option to Queensland's quantum theory module. But finding classroom-ready activities that bridge abstract quantum mechanics with the emerging field of quantum computing can be challenging.

These lesson plans connect traditional syllabus content (wave-particle duality, atomic models, uncertainty) with practical quantum computing concepts, preparing students for a field projected to create 250,000+ jobs globally by 2030.

Curriculum Alignment

These activities align with senior physics curricula across Australian states:

State Syllabus Relevant Topics
NSW Physics Stage 6 (2017) Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom; Quanta to Quarks option
Victoria VCE Physics Unit 4: How have creative ideas and investigation revolutionised thinking in physics?
Queensland QCE Physics Unit 4: Revolutions in modern physics—quantum theory, standard model
WA Physics ATAR Unit 4: Quantum leaps in electron clouds, energy transformations
SA/ACT/TAS/NT Various Quantum theory, atomic models, wave-particle duality

📚 Core Syllabus Connections

These lessons build on concepts students already encounter:

  • Wave-particle duality → How photons encode quantum information
  • Atomic models & electron orbitals → Why quantum systems require different measurement approaches
  • Uncertainty principle → Fundamental limits that enable quantum computing
  • Spectral analysis → How we detect and measure quantum states

Lesson Plan 1: Understanding Superposition

🎯 Lesson 1: Beyond Schrödinger's Cat

Duration: 50 minutes | Year Level: 11-12 | Prior Knowledge: Basic wave concepts

Learning Intention: Students will distinguish between classical uncertainty and quantum superposition, and explain why this distinction matters for computing.

Syllabus Outcomes: Explains qualitatively Heisenberg's uncertainty principle; describes the behaviour of matter at the subatomic scale

📝 Activity: The Coin vs. The Chord

  1. Hook (5 min): Present the common "spinning coin" analogy for superposition. Ask: Is a spinning coin really "both heads and tails at once"?
  2. Explore (15 min): Play a musical chord (C major). Ask: Is this note C, E, or G? Discuss how the sound wave contains all three frequencies simultaneously—not uncertainty about which is playing.
  3. Explain (15 min): Introduce the key distinction:
    • Classical uncertainty: The coin IS one value; we just don't know which
    • Quantum superposition: The system genuinely exists in multiple states; measurement determines which becomes real
  4. Apply (10 min): Students write 2-3 sentences explaining why this difference matters for computing power (parallel processing of multiple values)
  5. Extension: Introduce |ψ⟩ = α|0⟩ + β|1⟩ notation for students ready for mathematical representation

Lesson Plan 2: Qubits and Classical Bits

🎯 Lesson 2: What Makes a Qubit Different?

Duration: 50 minutes | Year Level: 11-12 | Prior Knowledge: Binary numbers basics

Learning Intention: Students will compare classical bits and qubits, and calculate the state space advantage of quantum systems.

Syllabus Outcomes: Analyses how technological advances have furthered understanding of atomic structure; evaluates contributions of physics to society

📝 Activity: Counting Possibilities

  1. Review (5 min): How many values can 3 classical bits represent? (Answer: 8 distinct states, but only one at a time)
  2. Calculate (15 min): If 3 qubits can be in superposition of all 8 states simultaneously:
    • How many states can 10 qubits process at once? (2¹⁰ = 1,024)
    • How about 50 qubits? (2⁵⁰ ≈ 1 quadrillion)
    • Compare to: All computers on Earth combined can't match 50 qubits for certain problems
  3. Investigate (20 min): Research task—find one real quantum computer and its qubit count (IBM, Google, IonQ, or Australian companies like PsiQuantum)
  4. Discuss (10 min): Why don't we just build 1,000-qubit computers? (Error rates, decoherence—connects to measurement and uncertainty concepts)

Lesson Plan 3: Photons as Qubits

🎯 Lesson 3: Light-Based Quantum Computing

Duration: 50 minutes | Year Level: 11-12 | Prior Knowledge: Polarisation, wave-particle duality

Learning Intention: Students will explain how photon properties (polarisation, path) can encode quantum information and why photonic approaches offer advantages.

Syllabus Outcomes: Explains wave-particle duality; describes electromagnetic spectrum properties; evaluates experimental evidence

📝 Activity: Polarisation Encoding

  1. Demonstrate (10 min): Using polarising filters, show how light can be:
    • Horizontal (|H⟩ → represents |0⟩)
    • Vertical (|V⟩ → represents |1⟩)
    • Diagonal (superposition of both!)
  2. Hands-on (20 min): Students use polarising filters to:
    • Create "definite" states (horizontal/vertical)
    • Create superposition states (45° diagonal)
    • Observe measurement "collapse" when checking with H or V filter
  3. Connect (15 min): Discuss advantages of photonic quantum computing:
    • Room temperature operation (no cryogenics)
    • Natural networking via fiber optics
    • Low noise (photons don't interact much)
  4. Australian Connection: Introduce PsiQuantum Brisbane ($940M project) and Xanadu as photonic quantum leaders

Lesson Plan 4: Quantum Measurement

🎯 Lesson 4: Why Measurement Changes Everything

Duration: 50 minutes | Year Level: 11-12 | Prior Knowledge: Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Learning Intention: Students will explain the measurement problem in quantum mechanics and its implications for quantum computing.

Syllabus Outcomes: Explains Heisenberg's uncertainty principle; analyses evidence for quantum models

📝 Activity: The Measurement Dilemma

  1. Problem Setup (10 min): If quantum computers process many values simultaneously through superposition, how do we get an answer out? Won't measurement destroy the superposition?
  2. Explore (15 min): Demonstrate with polarisation:
    • Send diagonal light through H/V filter—what happens?
    • The superposition "collapses" to one outcome
    • The result is probabilistic
  3. Explain (15 min): This is why quantum algorithms are carefully designed:
    • They use interference to amplify correct answers
    • Wrong answers cancel out
    • When we measure, we're likely to get a useful result
  4. Discuss (10 min): Why do quantum computers need to run algorithms multiple times? (Statistical verification due to probabilistic measurement)

Lesson Plan 5: Australian Quantum Industry

🎯 Lesson 5: Careers in Quantum Australia

Duration: 50 minutes | Year Level: 11-12 | Type: Research & Discussion

Learning Intention: Students will investigate Australia's quantum industry and identify career pathways in quantum technology.

Syllabus Outcomes: Evaluates contributions of physics to society; communicates physics ideas using scientific conventions

📝 Activity: Quantum Career Investigation

  1. Research Groups (25 min): Assign groups to research one Australian quantum company/initiative:
    • PsiQuantum Brisbane ($940M facility, photonic approach)
    • Quantum Brilliance Melbourne (diamond qubits, room temperature)
    • Diraq Sydney (silicon spin qubits, CMOS compatible)
    • Q-CTRL Sydney (quantum software, Black Opal education)
    • Silicon Quantum Computing (UNSW spinout, precision atoms)
  2. Present (15 min): Each group shares: Technology approach, why it matters, job types available
  3. Discuss (10 min): Key insight—55% of quantum jobs don't require a PhD. Roles include technicians, software developers, engineers, not just physicists
  4. Extension: Explore Q-CTRL Black Opal (free for Australian students) for hands-on quantum programming

Free Resources

🎓
Q-CTRL Black Opal

Free for Australian students. Interactive quantum lessons.

💻
IBM Quantum Experience

Free cloud access to real quantum computers.

📺
3Blue1Brown

Excellent visual explanations of linear algebra foundations.

📚
Microsoft Learn

Free quantum computing modules and Q# tutorials.

💡 Implementation Tips

  • No equipment needed: Most activities use discussion, calculation, and research—polarising filters are the only physical resource
  • Depth study potential: These topics work well as HSC/VCE depth studies with extended investigation
  • Cross-curricular: Connect with Mathematics (linear algebra, complex numbers) and Digital Technologies (binary, algorithms)
  • Guest speakers: Many Australian quantum researchers offer school visits—contact university physics departments

Assessment Ideas

  • Extended response: "Explain why quantum superposition enables computational advantages over classical computing. Include reference to the measurement problem and how quantum algorithms address it." (8-10 marks)
  • Research task: Investigate one Australian quantum technology company. Evaluate their approach and its advantages/challenges. (Depth study)
  • Practical report: Using polarisation filters, design an experiment that demonstrates the difference between definite states and superposition states.
  • Oral presentation: "Should Australia invest in quantum computing?" Students argue a position using evidence from industry and research.

Want More Education Resources?

Discover how Quantonic is making quantum computing accessible for Australian classrooms.

For Educators
#Australia #Quantum Computing #Teaching