General view of
the interactive quantum lab (Copyright: Quantum Nanophysics group,
University of
Vienna; Image: Mathias Tomandl & Patrick Braun).
Modern science as a photorealistic online game
(September 16, 2015) A
virtual laboratory allows, for the first time, to actively engage with topical
quantum physics. The novel learning environment was developed at the Faculty of
Physics at the University of Vienna in collaboration with university and
high-school students. In time for the start of the new term, the virtual
quantum lab is freely available online (http://interactive.quantumnano.at). The
new teaching concept has been published in the journal "Scientific
Reports".
Modern science for
all
Topical research experiments are often too expensive or too
complex to be rebuilt and incorporated in teaching. How can one, nevertheless,
make modern science accessible to the public? This challenge was tackled in the
research group Quantum Nanophysics led by Markus Arndt at the University of
Vienna. For the first time, two research laboratories were created as complete,
photorealistic computer simulations allowing university and high-school
students as well as the general public to virtually access unique instruments.
"One could describe it as a flight simulator of quantum physics",
says Mathias Tomandl who designed and implemented the essential elements of the
simulation in the course of his PhD studies.
Discovering the
quantum world – step by step
A learning path guides the visitors of the virtual quantum
lab through the world of delocalized complex molecules. A series of lab tasks
and essential background information on the experiments enable the visitors to
gradually immerse into the quantum world. The engaging software was developed
together with university and high-school students and was fine-tuned by
periodic didactic input. The teaching concept and the accompanying studies have
now been published in the renowned scientific journal "Scientific
Reports".