Events › Quantum Playground

Get entangled with quantum science and technology! Researchers from the University of Chicago and Duke University will lead activities that explain quantum ideas in interactive ways using games, crafts, hands-on demos and short presentations. Activities are designed for all ages and participants will receive free giveaways.

Learn about local initiatives from national labs, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Chicago Quantum Exchange. Quantum technology may one day help solve difficult problems, such as improving large transportation systems, breaking complex codes or helping scientists design new medicines.

This event will introduce quantum technologies and the science behind them through a series of fun and informative stations. Stations and activities will include:

• Quantum computing digital games and card games
• Art station for coloring zines or making your own stories
• Quantum-related books station with books for all ages
• Stations where you can talk to representatives from the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab and the Chicago Quantum Exchange about what their organizations do
• 30-minute talk: "Quantum in Pop Culture" at 1:30 p.m. 
• 30-minute talk: "Cartoon Intro to Quantum Computing" at 3 p.m.

The research team behind the event is co-led by Professor Diana Franklin and Professor Emily Edwards. Since 2020, they have developed the National Q-12 Education Partnership, a National Science Foundation-funded program that provides support for quantum information science education.

For adults, teens and kids 6 and up.

How to Attend
Registration is encouraged but not required. Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL.

Due to space limitations, please include the total number of children and adults as attendees when you register.

Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Photo provided by Diana Franklin