All types of learning materials are needed to provide an adequate learning environment for the study of quantum science. Dialogs on paper as well as various digital formats enable students to explore phenomena such as electron diffraction and energy gaps in solids. The Visual Quantum Mechanics materials consist of instructional units that integrate quantum science concepts into a typical physics course. The units, each of which requires about ten hours of instruction, can be inserted as students complete the study of certain classical concepts, such as conservation of energy. The materials can be used without a complete revision of the present curriculum and do not need to be placed at the end of the year.
All units utilize an active learning model of instruction.
Students explore, learn new concepts and apply those concepts by using single equipment and interactive media. By emphasizing the application of quantum science to devices which students see frequently, the Visual Quantum Mechanics materials help students understand that quantum science is all around them. Without quantum science they could not have television remotes, fluorescent lamps or many other everyday devices.