The main goal of this BMBF-funded HedwiQ project is to present the fundamental properties of quantum physics to pupils in an accessible way. To this end, a module is being developed for the zdi school laboratory coolMINT, in which pupils can discover and experiment with phenomena on their own. Marc Ebert had the idea to illustrate quantum physics using quantum cryptography and wrapping it in riddles and puzzles. Solving these should bring the participants closer to the topic step by step.
Finally, on Friday, November 8, 2024, a first group of pupils – an advanced physics class from the Schloß Neuhaus Gymnasium – were invited to the university to test the set up. The group were to handle a total of ten riddles and puzzles, additionally to a ThorLabs experimental setup for sending polarized light. With the help of the setup and various materials such as puzzle cards, a Caesar cipher and dice, the aim was to explore quantum cryptography piece by piece. Among other things, they had to transmit messages using photons and generate keys to crack combination locks and solve a fictitious kidnapping.
In this first round, the groups solved all the riddles and puzzles and took much more than a “quantum leap” forward. We would like to thank the brave pupils and their teacher Mr. Bimmermann for their participation.
