Encourage middle school students to explore physics through PhysicsQuest. These activities introduce current physics topics, invite you to explore the diverse careers of notable scientists, and feature hands-on, NGSS aligned experiments. Current and previous PhysicsQuest projects focus on topics including orbital motion, and understanding thermal energy and equilibrium, how quantum algorithms work, properties of light, and much more.
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PhysicsQuest 2025: Quantum
The Future State
This kit was created in partnership with the APS Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (DAMOP) and the Division of Quantum Information (DQI). These lessons explore the strange and exciting world of quantum physics and the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales. Students engage in hands-on activities that reveal how atoms form matter, how light interacts with nanomaterials, and how photons help us understand energy and color. Through games and models, they investigate the quantum principles of superposition, entanglement, and teleportation, then apply this understanding to learn the basics of quantum computing. Together, these experiences introduce students to the “future state” of physics - quantum science.
This kit was created in partnership with the American Physical Society’s (APS) Division of Plasma Physics (DPP). These lessons show us where we find plasma - the fourth state of matter - in our universe and all around us. The kits introduce students to plasma, its properties, how stars are formed, and how stars can "be bottled" to create clean energy used here on Earth. Together, students will learn about this mysterious matter - plasma.
In collaboration with Little Shop of Physics, APS offers four engaging activities centered around the fascinating world of "waves." Waves are all around us, shaping our world and providing energy, such as the sun's electromagnetic waves. Understanding these waves unlocks the secrets of our universe. These Making Waves activities are perfect for your physics curriculum, serving as captivating prelude activities or post-learning explorations
Encourage middle school students to explore physics through the PhysicsQuest! In 2022, APS and STEP UP collaborated to present a PhysicsQuest curriculum exploring amazing discoveries and stellar accomplishments of diverse physicists. These PhysicsQuest 2022: Physics Together science activities introduce students to who does physics and what physicists do, with a special focus on Careers in Physics and Women in Physics.
More PhysicsQuest lesson plans and other learning resources
APS provides additional resources for teachers through PhysicsQuest topics and other materials covering quantum science, force and motion, heat, energy, sound, currents, and more.