https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-024-00276-4
Research
Keep it secret, keep it safe: teaching quantum key distribution in high school
1
Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem, Israel
2
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Received:
17
June
2024
Accepted:
20
September
2024
Published online:
3
October
2024
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cryptography protocol based on the fundamental principles of quantum physics (QP). Teaching this subject does not require extensive knowledge beyond these principles, making it suitable for inclusion in high school (HS) curricula. Despite its relevance, teaching QKD in HS is yet understudied. In this study, we collected responses from 12th-grade students from various schools that adopted and applied the Discipline-Culture vision of the physics curriculum. We assessed their understanding through conceptual and quantitative problems and examined their attitudes regarding the motivation to study this subject. We analyzed the responses using content analysis, identifying the challenges and affordances of teaching QKD. The challenges faced by students have been categorized into three themes: difficulties with QP, difficulties with the QKD protocol, and difficulties with the mathematics involved in this context. Despite these challenges, we found that teaching QKD reinforces students’ conceptual understanding of QP concepts and problem-solving skills. This work enhances educators’ ability to address the challenges of teaching QP and suggests that teaching QKD in HS strengthens students’ motivation to study QP.
Key words: Quantum key distribution / High School Physics Education / Dirac Notation / Student Motivation
The original version of this article was revised: “Reference list and Figure 1 have been updated”
A correction to this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-024-00281-7.
Copyright comment corrected publication 2024
© The Author(s) 2024. corrected publication 2024
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