The Quantum Mechanics Visualisation Project
The QuVis simulatios are freely available for anyone to use online or download for offline use, but they are expensive to make. Funds are needed for the simulation development, the testing and iterative refinement of simulations and their maintenance.
Quantum mechanics holds a fascination for many students, but its mathematical complexity can present a major barrier. Traditional approaches to introductory quantum mechanics have been found to decrease student interest. Topics which enthuse students such as quantum information are often only covered in advanced courses. QuVis aims to overcome these issues through the development and evaluation of interactive simulations that are based on research into how students learn, research into aspects of simulations that make them engaging to students and research into particular conceptual difficulties and how best to help students overcome them. Recently developed simulations incorporate game-like elements and through layout, controls and content guide students to the learning goals without them feeling guided. They promote student-driven inquiry and scientific abilities. Since 2014, we are developing in HTML5, so that recently developed simulations run on a wide range of devices including iPads and other touchscreen devices . Evaluation has shown that simulations help students learn, and that students find them more engaging than paper-and-pencil exercises. Our evaluation shows that the QuVis interactive simulations provide a safe, enjoyable and anxious-free environment in which learners can discover and explore phenomena, which may particularly benefit learners from minorities or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The QuVis simulations were awarded the 2014 Excellence Award of the MPTL (Multimedia in Physics Teaching and Learning), being rated most highly following a review of several hundred multimedia resources for quantum physics instruction. They were awarded the 2015 Physics Classics Award of MERLOT (Multimedia educational resource for learning and online teaching). Over 100000 people have accessed simulations at no cost from the QuVis website.
Our aims for the future are to incorporate further game-like aspects and increase interactivity, and make further topics typically only covered at the advanced level accessible to the introductory level. Our key mission is to allow QuVis to remain a free, open and comprehensive collection to support learners, instructors and citizens around the world. Your support is critical to help us achieve these goals. Thank you for helping us advance knowledge and inspire learners around the world.
