Can You Build a Quantum Computer?: Breakout Activity

This table-top escape room activity will have your students thinking and collaborating while solving challenges related to quantum mechanics and senior physics. Students work through challenges tied to building a quantum computer as a small group of quantum engineers. This is an online activity that starts with a link to a Google Form. It requires no setup and can be run right away. 

Binary code 

Students crack a code related to binary digits (i.e., 0’s and 1’s).

Selecting an ion
 
Students use their knowledge of the periodic table to figure out which chemical elements a quantum computer should use.

Energy Levels

 
Students use their knowledge of energy levels to solve a puzzle related to exciting electrons with light. 

Trapping ions
 
Students use their knowledge of electric forces to figure out how to trap ions in a quantum computer. 

Superposition
 
Students use their knowledge of wave superposition to solve a puzzle related to combining wave pulses.

Exponential Power
 
Students solve a puzzle related to the number of calculations a quantum computer can do. 

Applications
 
Students solve a puzzle related to the real-world problems that quantum computers can solve.