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Bringing quantum ideas into your classroom

Are you keen to explore quantum concepts with your students? Have you been looking for ideas on how to make abstract ideas more accessible and engaging for young learners? 

The 2025 Governor-General’s Design Challenge celebrates the Year of Quantum Science and Technology by supporting you to turn your students into “photon detectives” in the classroom. 

This hands-on STEM experience for students in Years 5–10 sets out a challenge for your class to complete, with the challenge introduced in a special video co-presented by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC and Questacon. 

Participating schools will receive a free resource kit and access to additional engaging online materials to assist students in completing the challenge. Included in the resource kit is an innovative tool called a photon clicker, which will enable your students to uncover and explore the hidden quantum world of light. 

Click ‘Apply Now’ to express your interest in completing the challenge and bringing hands-on, future-focused science into your classroom. Places are limited. 

 

Photon Clickers 

Photon Clickers are a cutting-edge tool that explores the hidden quantum world of light, developed by the ARC Centre for Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS).

Things to know

  • Designed to fit into 2-3 fun, hands-on lessons.
  • Suitable for students in Years 5-10, with adaptable activities to suit your class.
  • Expressions of interest for this program close on 20 October 2025.
  • Complete the challenge anytime between 5 November and 3 December 2025.
  • Share your students’ amazing ideas and outcomes through our online community.
  • Participation is free! Resource packs are limited, so don’t miss the chance to register your interest.
  • Questions? Contact teachers@questacon.edu.au. 

About the program

Questacon’s Educator Programs are designed to support teachers across Australia to bring STEM to life in their classrooms. For more than 20 years, we’ve delivered professional learning, resources, and communities of practice that build educator confidence, increase student engagement, and connect classrooms with real-world STEM.

Our national suite of programs includes:

  • Engineering is Elementary – hands-on workshops that introduce educators to practical STEM teaching strategies.
  • STEM Futures – a professional learning program for school leaders and educators that helps transform whole-school approaches to STEM.
  • Regional Leaders – a network connecting educators in every state and territory to foster collaboration and local support.

Together, these programs ensure teachers have the skills, resources, and networks they need to deliver meaningful STEM experiences for their students.

Questacon’s Educator Programs are proudly supported by our Diamond Partner, the Department of Defence.

Educator resources & programs