Physics Learning Resources

Themed classroom experiments and activities to introduce basic physics concepts and sustain students' interest in math and science.
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PhysicsQuest 2025

Quantum: The Future State

Created with APS DAMOP and DQI, this kit introduces students to quantum physics. Through hands-on activities and games, they explore atoms, light, and photons, investigate superposition, entanglement, and teleportation, and learn the basics of quantum computing while gaining a glimpse into the future of physics.

Plasma Phenomenon

Students will use a crystal model to see how atoms are arranged in solid materials, learn how X-rays help scientists study matter, and observe how sound waves move through a crystal.

Black outline of three cubes connected.

Students will be able to experiment with C-dots to understand how materials can be changed in a chemical reaction, and view the fluorescence from materials to understand quantized, quantum nature of matter.

Photon graphic representation

Students will learn how light is quantized into photons and how light, color, and energy are related.

Simple diagram of quantum entanglement

This activity is an engaging game designed to build student intuition around key quantum physics concepts, especially superposition and entanglement, through a hands-on analogy using spinning coins to represent qubits used in quantum computing.

Entangled and shuffled icon graphic

Students will model superposition, correlations, and entanglement of particles using playing cards. This will help students visualize and understand basic properties of quantum information science.

Classical teleportation graphic representation

Observing quantum information destroys it, making it extremely delicate and difficult to transport from place to place.

Image from the Noun Project

Students will progressively learn about basic notions of classical computing and understand how quantum computers are different, how they work and how they are programmed.

Bits vs. quibits graphic

View augmented reality models of quantum computing concepts through your phone.

Past PhysicsQuest topics

Discover additional PhysicsQuest lesson plans and activities focused on a variety of physics concepts.

Nia Burrell knows all about "Making Waves."

Ph.D student Nia Burrell discusses making waves.

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.

Dr. Deborah Jin

Learn about the incredible life and work of Dr. Deborah Jin, a quantum scientist who used lasers and magnets to cool down atoms and make new states of matter.

Katherine Johnson

PhysicsQuest introduces physics through fun experiments that sustain interest in math and science. This year, explore NASA’s Katherine Johnson with activities on force and motion, including falling, swinging, flinging, and orbital motion.

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu

PhysicsQuest introduces physics through fun experiments that sustain interest in math and science. This year, learn about the important discoveries of Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu through activities that experiment with thermal energy.

PhysicsQuest 2018 cover icon

Learn about pendulums, friction, potential, and kinetic energy as students at Spectra's school find themselves in a fierce competition for concert tickets.

PhysicsQuest 2017 cover icon

Learn about sound by creating instruments, manipulating sound through different mediums, and making sound waves visual.

electric currents

PhysicsQuest introduces physics through fun experiments that sustain interest in math and science. This year, learn about color, conduction, resistance, magnetism, and electricity.

Read Spectra High Intensity to learn about the power of sunlight.

Charles Brown cartoon icon

PhysicsQuest introduces physics through fun experiments that sustain interest in math and science.

PhysicsQuest 2011 cover icon

PhysicsQuest introduces physics through fun experiments that sustain interest in math and science.

Vera Rubin cartoon

Learn about the power of gravity, force, and motion as Spectra and the gang as they face yet another year at Tesla Junior High.

PhysicsQuest 2009 image icon

PhysicsQuest introduces physics through fun experiments that sustain interest in math and science.

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