Ella Meyer conducting a science demonstration. | Photo by Justin Yoon, UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach

Big science, small science, and a whole lot of numbers. The United Nations (UN) has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, recognizing 100 years of quantum mechanics development. For Ella Meyer of Geering Up, a University of British Columbia (UBC) science and engineering outreach program, quantum concepts are more accessible to children than one would think – all it takes is a little faith in their intuitive understanding of the world.

“One of the best parts about teaching kids, and particularly younger kids, is that when you don’t have a preconception of ‘This is exactly how the world should work,’ you are way more open to ideas of how the world does work,” she says.

For Geering Up, the UN’s timing is serendipitous, as 2025 also marks the program’s 30th birthday and fifth year of delivering quantum mechanics programs. In addition to its usual programming of workshops and summer camps, Geering Up plans to commemorate quantum science and technology through a new afterschool quantum club, as well as collaborations with the Surrey-based Quantum Algorithms Institute to support additional networking and community initiatives.

The heart of science

Meyer first joined Geering Up during her undergraduate studies in astronomy and physics at UBC. Driven by a passion for science education, she returned to Geering Up when the program was looking for a quantum computing outreach coordinator, where she now works with other educators teaching quantum concepts to children and youth across the province. A key part of her work is figuring out how to make complex quantum ideas accessible – a task that begins with definitions.

“Quantum technology is us figuring out what the new quantum rules are,” she explains. “And the ways we can utilize those behaviours to create something new.”

To make these principles more accessible, Meyer draws on analogies to familiar situations while relying on the basics of logical reasoning. Even though she is aware analogies may challenge scientific accuracy, they help present information in a “correct enough” manner for the students’ age level, while allowing young learners to connect with the idea. She affirms that when teaching children, it is the heart of the concept that matters.

“I’m sure researchers would object to some of the analogies there,” she adds. “But it did mean I had a whole bunch of fifth graders understanding the idea of parallel computing.”

A language game

When it comes to using the language of quantum science in classrooms, Meyer advocates for an intention approach – one that considers how words are explained. Her tips are to never take for granted that children know the concepts and to avoid introducing new vocabulary with jargon or other unfamiliar language.

“Can we explain everything we’re about to do without ever saying this word?” she explains. “If we’re going to talk about quantum entanglement, I’m going to tell them it’s ‘quantum entanglement,’ then we’ll spend the next hour exploring how that works together.”

She recalls having to simplify her language when running a demo on superconductors – a material that changes behaviours at different temperatures – with the Quantum Matter Institute at Science World. Instead of explaining the superconductor’s functions through scientific jargon to her audience of kids three to four years old, Meyer relied on an age-appropriate phrase: When it gets cold, it gets superpowers.

“The thing I want them to know is that sometimes things behave differently when they are cold,” she says.

Geering Up’s programming also draws attention to the social context surrounding quantum science. For Meyer, this conversation is one of sustainability – weighing the benefits of quantum technology with the large amount of power it consumes. She notes their programming also touches on artificial intelligence ethics, including plagiarism and data bias.

“It’s always really important to think about how what you’re learning is going to fit into the broader human picture,” she adds.

Finding new sparks

These concerns of accessibility, for Meyer, is more than simplifying complex language. It also involves spreading awareness of the quantum networks in BC and making those resources available across the province, particularly when it comes to working with remote communities.

“We’re not going to be able to put 30 laptops in a suitcase and get it up there, and they’re not going to have very good internet connection,” she adds, speaking of Geering Up’s work in parts of BC that are difficult to reach. “So, it’d be really cool if kids could learn to code on micro:bits, a really small computer.”

In these remote classrooms, teachers rely on hands-on activities, like tossing a coin or rolling a dice, to teach concepts like probability. Another barrier is age restrictions, as Meyer notes that some quantum resources are only available to those over 18. When it comes to gender barriers, Geering Up works to include a female-identifying staff in each instructor pair, allowing young female scientists to see themselves represented – creating a safe space for children and youth to reach their full potential.

“Their brains are so insanely elastic,” she adds. “If you give them room to be creative and excited, and you haven’t told them that the thing they’re about to do is radically different than anything they’ve seen before, they take to it really well.”

Rather than focusing on standardized assessments, Geering Up encourages learners to self-reflect and draw connections to their daily life. Celebrating the year of quantum, Meyer emphasizes that all technologies are tools.

“The really beautiful thing about quantum and quantum technology is that it is an incredibly fundamental thing,” she says. “It almost feels like the second time we figured out how to light, and store, and put out, and relight fires.”

For more information, see www.geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca