Proceedings of Student-Faculty Research Day, CSIS, Pace University, May 3rd, 2019

Teaching High School Quantum Computing Scenarios

Junbin Sun
Seidenberg School of CSIS, Pace University, Pleasantville, NewYork 10570
Email: js09442p @pace.edu

Abstract— Quantum computers are one of the frontier how to determine what a quantum programming technique
teachings at this stage. The main purpose of the high school needs to accomplish for different scenarios.
computer curriculum is to develop students' comprehensive •Proofs and illustrations that show that the proposed
abilities and knowledge of cutting-edge technology. quantum computing solution satisfies the functional and
Therefore, in the high-level quantum computer teaching, in usability properties for High School student chosen scenario.
order to achieve better computer education for students,1 • An simple implementation of the quantum
classroom teaching should use extracurricular activities to computing as a proof of concept, although this implementation
improve the existing computer teaching mode, thereby may not necessarily be complete.
improving classroom teaching quality and teaching
• The team has developed a series of quantum
efficiency. This paper mainly discusses the problems of
computing scenarios set up and planned to test it by designing
quantum computers in computer teaching in high school.
extra-curriculum quantum computing activities 6 months in
For some well-known problems (such as factorization
the 11th, 12th grade Dwight Englewood School, committed by
large numbers), quantum computers are clearly big
Pat Boig, Dwight Englewood School Advanced Director and
winners compared to classic computers. The number of
HwaKnowledge Consulting Group, a research-based
quantum computers that work can be factored down in a
consulting firm. Pat had examined the comprehensive
day can take millions of years for a classic computer.
quantum computing project for high school and asked to
Keywords - Quantum Computing, High School, Quantum design it as an extra-curriculum activity in Englewood. The
Scenario Analysis, Extra Curriculum Design. focus was on short lectures followed by hands-on
programming utilizing the IBM Q Experience Composer
interface to run quantum programs both on the simulator and
on the actual machine. For student research part, they can
I. INTRODUCTION solve different scenario problems with self-designed project.
In this prospective research, we have carried out According to the different scenarios, high school student can
studies to find out the appropriate way for high school propose their understanding and unusual ideas toward
quantum computing education. In order to combine quantum quantum computing.[1]
computing with high school computer science courses, we Introduction To Quantum Computing:
would design a series of extra-curriculum topics correlated to
quantum computing. ⎡1 ⎤ ⎡0 ⎤
Limitation: On-Site School teaching volume is 0 = ⎢ ⎥ 1 = ⎢ ⎥
limited by chances and student get involved depends on their ⎣0 ⎦ ⎣1⎦
preference.
Context: This paper outlines a proposal for the
Figure 1. Matrix representation of the bits 0 and 1.
construction of Dwight Englewood High School quantum
computing course work that designed for Junior and Senior Let's first look at how computers store data. In the
High School Students. Quantum computing will give teenager computer, the data is saved in a binary sequence of 0 and 1.As
programmers the tools to solve certain problems, we would shown in Figure 2. Abstractly, binary 0 and 1 represent the two
design 11 different research problems, in that case the problem "states" of the system. In other words, as long as we can find a
is how to program quantum computers to make a simple system with two distinguishable states, we can abstract the
prototype. Specifically the deliverables for this research binary of the computer. So we first discuss how to implement
project will consist of the following: binary in the system. In a classic computer, 01 is implemented
by a different voltage, with 0 representing a low voltage signal
•A list of functional and usability properties that a
and 1 representing a high voltage signal. In quantum
quantum computing theme should have. A list of this sort has mechanics, we have many natural two-state systems to achieve
been concluded in the project, making it for different scenarios these two distinguishable states (no need to express the state of
quantum mechanics too much). For example, the spin 1/2
Thanks to the IBM Faculty Award that made this research possible system, which corresponds to the spin up/down states in
quantum mechanics; or the more classical photon polarization, any classic computer—whether it is deterministic, probabilistic,
such as a beam of light with different polarization states (such or analog. [4]
as left-handed/right-handed) Polarized light) In short, we can
find a system that implements binary in quantum mechanics.
After implementing the binary, our next step is to get the
binary sequence. [2]
Here, the quantum world and the classic world are different.
In the classic world, we can only have one state at the same
time. For example, if we have the 001 state, we can't have the
010 state at the same time. This is because the voltages of the
two states are superimposed. If we have both states, we can
only get the 011 state. But in the quantum world, we can get
superposition states. Specifically, the state of the system can be
at the same time

Bits (classical) Qubits (quantum)

Subsets of n bits Always have states Generally have no
states Figure 2. The difference between bits, probabilistic bits, and qubits.
Can state be learned Yes No, measurement
from bits? collapses
To get information Look at them Measure them
Information acquired X x with probability
2
αx
State after information Same, x
acquired Different, x , due
to collapse

Table 1. Comparision of bits and qubits.

Today's computers use standard (or “classical”)

computational models to perform computational and
processing information, dating back to Turing and Von
Neumann period. In this model, all information can be reduced
Figure 3. A quantum versus a classical program.
to bits, one bit can take a value of either 0 or 1 - and all
processing can be done by simple logic gates (and, or, NOT, We can see from Figure 3 that the quantum computer
NAND) Execution, these logic gates act on one or two bits at a generates multiple results, but only one of those is selected as
time. At any point in the calculation process, the state of the becomes the output. Once the classical program is seeded with
classical computer is determined by the state of all its bits, such random input its execution and result are deterministic. As a
that a computer with n bits can have 2^n possible states, result, when seeded with the same input a quantum program
ranging from 00...0 (all zeros) to 11...1 (all 1). [3] may generate different results from execution to execution, but
At the same time, the power of a quantum computer lies in a classical program will execute the same given the same
its rich and rich state. A quantum computer also has bits, just input.[5]
like any computer. But its qubits, also known as qubits, do not
represent 0 and 1, but can represent 0, 1 or both 0, 1 (ie a (0, 1) II. PROJECTED EDUCATION SCENARIOS
vector), this Attributes are called super-positions. This doesn't Currently, quantum computing is best suited to solve
help for itself. Since a computer may have an intermediate problems using three algorithms: optimization, sampling, and
position between 0 and 1, it is an analog computer that is machine learning.
simply not as powerful as a normal digital computer. Quantum
computers utilize a special kind of superposition so that a A. Optimization
number of exponential levels of logic are allowed at a time, all Optimization is currently the focus of quantum computing,
states from |00...0⟩ to |11...1⟩. This is a powerful skill and can with the goal of finding the best solution from a large number
be achieved without any classic computer. The vast majority of of possible decisions. Optimization problems are often very
these quantum super-positions, and the most useful for difficult to solve, but they are extremely valuable realities and
quantum computing, are entangled—the states of the entire exist in almost all industries. For example: exploring the most
computer that do not correspond to any digital distribution and economical and efficient freight routes; identifying the most
do not correspond to the analog state of a single qubit.
efficient mining methods for mining resources; exploring the
Although there is no powerful exponential number of classic
most productive lines on the production line, ways of resource
computers, a quantum computer is much more powerful than
allocation; research on drug development methods; find better
ways to manage financial portfolio risk. The time it takes for understanding for elementary principle of quantum computing
traditional computers to optimize problems and provide high- as shown in Figure 2.
quality solutions often grows exponentially with problem size, 1. The knowledge absorption and other aspects are
but quantum computing will provide answers faster. With this carried out through team-based project. In the
type of technology, companies will explore opportunities for knowledge introduction stage before the class, the
cost savings and revenue generation. [6] teacher needs. It should be produced according to the
B. Sampling problem key points and difficult points of the quantum
computing.
This is another function that an adiabatic sub-computer can
perform. Sampling can smoothly generate random samples of 2. The process of deciding scenario based project, it
certain phenomena, but classical computers are difficult to do should be combined with the students' learning ability
effectively. However, if you can control complex quantum to avoid difficulties. After the introduction of the IBM
states (which are probabilistic in nature), you can sample them QC platform, the teacher can use the form of online
more efficiently from these states. simulator to emphasize the teaching. As to extra-
curriculum project: divided points and difficult points
C. Machine Learning to simplify the use of complex quantum computing
Since machine learning is based on sampling and knowledge. [8]
optimization methods, improving these techniques can 3. Typical quantum computing application examples to
improve machine learning. Quantum computer sampling guide students to master the rules of quantum
technique can be machine learning algorithms provide more computing learning and deepen their studies. During
reliable distributed input data. Each iteration of new data will the class, teachers can create a brief introduction video
contribute to the “learning” of artificial intelligence. As for the for students, the main content of the video would
optimization capabilities of quantum computing, many expand on how to quickly master the function of
machine learning techniques are ultimately challenging quantum computing. Demonstrate the process of
optimization problems. For example, a company can use quantum computing utilization, let students learn while
probabilities to interpret specific areas, such as customer watching the video for the lesson.[14]
behavior, obtain model information from samples provided by E. During the process of teaching course setup of Quantum
adiabatic sub-computers, and use machine learning algorithms Computing Teaching in High School.
to continually improve the model. List of Research Problems
is appropriate for quantum computing:.
1. Under the Quantum Computing teaching mode,
teachers can make the key points in teaching
Quantum Computing into hands-on simulator,
allowing students to practice in the classroom. After
trying the simulator, the students can ask questions
that they have encountered during the practice process,
and the teachers will explain them in the classroom to
improve the efficiency of the classroom teaching. In
addition, teachers can also share the Quantum
Computing method on the school's website, and
students can download it under the class to facilitate
students to study anytime, anywhere.
2. Taking the picture teaching in real scenarios Finance
Industry as an example, in the classroom learning of
the computer, the teacher can explain the knowledge
in the form of how to utilize Quantum Computing in
Finance Industry. Given the interdependence of
thousands of assets, quantum computing can help
Figure 4. Scenarios: Opportunities for applying quantum computing identify attractive portfolios. In addition, quantum
in different industries[7]
computing technology can be used to more effectively
D. The course setup of Quantum Computing Teaching in High identify critical fraud flags. When learning the content
School of the picture in World, the teacher displays the
scenario related method to the student in the form of
simulator through the form of either Python or IBM
Course production is a prerequisite for the implementation Simulator. At the end of the each class or project
of the Quantum Computing. For the production of quantum meeting, the teacher reserves a portion of the question
computing courses, we can import knowledge from before time for the student to help the student solve the
class, focus on important concept and knowledge problem encountered during the Quantum Computing
process. After solving the students' questions, the
 teacher organizes the students to carry out practical B. Healthcare
utilization exercises, so that the students can apply the Quantum computers can help speed up the process of
theoretical knowledge to the actual operation and comparing the interactions and effects of different drugs on a
deepen the students' knowledge mastery.[9]
range of diseases to determine the best drug.
III. HIGH SCHOOL QUANTUM COMPUTING TEACHING In addition, quantum computing can bring true personalized
medicine, using advanced technology in genomics to tailor
PROPOSAL DESIGN treatment plans for each patient. Protein Folding and Drug
Discovery. Simulated annealing is an algorithm currently used
Quantum Computing Basics Understanding for Different to predict the effects of potential treatments while optimizing
Scenario Design for non-adverse effects. Quantum computing can replace some
of these technologies, and there may be large-scale
We have implemented seven scenarios for high school improvements over the next few years, such as improved drug
student to help them with their corresponding quantum design.
computing scenario design. Genomic sequencing produces a large amount of data, and
A. Financial Service a person's entire DNA strand expression requires a lot of
computing power and storage capacity. Some companies are
Financial analysts often rely on algorithms consisting of
rapidly reducing the cost and resources required for
probabilities and assumptions expressed by markets and
sequencing human genomes.[11]
portfolios. Quantum computing can help eliminate blind spots
In theory, quantum computers will make genome
in data and prevent losses from unfounded financial
sequencing more efficient and easier to expand globally.
assumptions.
Quantum computers can simultaneously collect and organize
Specifically, the way quantum computing affects the
all possible genetic variants and immediately find all pairs of
financial services industry is to solve complex optimization
nucleotides, exponentially shortening the entire genome
problems such as portfolio risk optimization and fraud sequencing process.
detection. Quantum computing can be used to better identify Rapid quantum genome sequencing allows us to bring
attractive portfolios because there are thousands of assets with
DNA from around the world into a comprehensive population
interdependent dependencies and more efficient identification
health database. Using quantum computers, we are also able to
of key fraud patterns. Portfolio risk optimization and fraud
synthesize patterns in world DNA data to understand our
detection. Given the interdependence of thousands of assets,
genetic makeup at a deeper level and to discover previously
quantum computing can help identify attractive portfolios. In
unknown disease patterns.
addition, quantum computing technology can be used to more
effectively identify critical fraud flags. C. Network Security
Another change brought about by financial quantum Quantum computers can be used to break the passwords
computers involves running what is commonly referred to in we use today to protect sensitive data and electronic
the industry as Monte Carlo Simulation, a probabilistic communications. However, quantum computers can also be
simulation of the effects of risks and uncertainties on financial used to protect data from quantum hacking, which requires a
forecasting models. technique called quantum cryptography.
Traditional computers can only search one file at a time or Quantum encryption is an idea of transferring entangled
run a portfolio of Monte Carlo simulations, and quantum photons over long distances through quantum key distribution
computers can perform these operations in parallel and (QKD) in order to protect sensitive communications. The most
optimize transactions more efficiently.[10] important point is that if the quantum encrypted
communication is intercepted, the encryption scheme will
immediately show signs of interruption and show that the
communication is not secure. This relies on measuring the
behavior of the quantum system that would undermine the
principles of the system. This is called "measurement
effect."[12]
D. Manufacture
Supply Chain and Procurement. There are various aspects
of supply chain optimization, such as procurement, production,
and distribution. As quantum computing improves, it will
evolve from being able to solve one-time scenarios, such as
Figure 5. Monte Carlo simulation "shelf maps" or "truck loads," to large-scale system scenarios,
such as storage tiers.
E. Resources Distribution quantum computers can do it. Note that the production of
Asset Depreciation Modeling and Application Distribution energy-efficient fertilizers is just one of many ways we can
Optimization. Today, by examining operational real-time data solve large problems by accurately simulating molecular
based on rules or machine learning models, we are able to behavior. Similar problems exist in areas such as climate
identify potential problems that affect usability. Quantum change, health care, materials science, and energy.[13]
computing continues to provide recommendations for
optimizing critical systems to save costs. IV. METHODOLOGY

We carry out the experiment as prospective research.

F. Media
Maximizing ad scheduling and advertising revenue.
Systems are often tailored to each customer's situation. These
systems collect hundreds of attributes about consumer
preferences that need to be mapped to product affinity and
presented as a chart. Ultimately, the optimization of this chart
is the best decision to show customers what kind of
advertising. Quantum computers are great for dealing with
such problems.

G. Agriculture
Figure 7. Teaching Structure
Quantum computers can help us make fertilizers more
efficiently. Almost all the fertilizers that help to feed us are Teaching organization and management of the content： In
made of ammonia. The ability to produce ammonia (or the experimental teaching, the students are the main body,
substitutes) more efficiently means less expensive, less emphasizing the leading role, organization and management of
energy-consuming fertilizers. Easier access to better fertilizers teachers in experimental quantum computing teaching. Before
will benefit the environment and help feed the growing each scenario experiment, the teacher briefly lectures on the
population of the planet. However, little progress has been theoretical knowledge points, experimental purposes,
made in improving the process of manufacturing or replacing experimental content, experimental focus and operational
ammonia, as the number of possible catalyst combinations is difficulties related to corresponding quantum computing
unlimited. experiment. The remaining time students conduct experiments.
During the experiment, the teacher strengthens the inspection,
and the quantum computing scenario should generally be
determined by the students. After the experiment is completed,
students are first required to write an experimental report,
summarize the experimental process and analyze the
experimental results. Then the teacher summarizes according
to the student's experimental report and experimental process,
so that students can accumulate experience from the
experiment, gain more experimental skills, and deepen their
understanding of quantum computing theoretical
knowledge.[15]
Taking the picture teaching in real scenarios Finance
Figure 6. Ammonia = nitrogen and hydrogen Industry as an example, in the classroom learning of the
In essence, without the industrial technology known as the computer, the teacher can explain the knowledge in the form
Haber-Bosch Process in the 1900s, we could not artificially of how to utilize Quantum Computing in Finance Industry.
simulate this process. This process requires extremely high Given the interdependence of thousands of assets, quantum
heat and pressure to convert nitrogen, hydrogen and iron into computing can help identify attractive portfolios. In addition,
ammonia. quantum computing technology can be used to more
It takes centuries to digitally test with today's effectively identify critical fraud flags. When learning the
supercomputers to find the right combination of catalysts to content of the picture in World, the teacher displays the
make ammonia. Quantum computers will be able to quickly scenario related method to the student in the form of simulator
analyze chemically catalyzed processes and propose the best through the form of either Python or IBM Simulator. At the
combination of catalysts to produce ammonia. In addition, we end of the each class or project meeting, the teacher reserves a
know that a tiny bacterium in the roots of plants uses a special portion of the question time for the student to help the student
molecule called nitrogenase every day to accomplish the same solve the problem encountered during the Quantum
process at very low energy costs. This molecule goes beyond Computing process. After solving the students' questions, the
the simulation capabilities of our largest supercomputer, but teacher organizes the students to carry out practical utilization
exercises, so that the students can apply the theoretical be continuously improved, and the quantum computing
knowledge to the actual operation and deepen the students' content and teaching methods will be continuously reformed
knowledge mastery. [14] and updated to improve the students' comprehensive
Student's chosen quantum computing experimental application ability of computing and cultivate high-quality
organization and management： According to the existing talents that are needed for the society. []
experimental equipment and environment, for the
experimental content of the quantum computing, the
experiment was carried out by combining independent References
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