Workshop: Quantum Effects in Nature

Workshop: Quantum Effects in Nature

Workshop: Quantum Effects in Nature and The physical periodic table of elements in nature

The universe is both weirder and more reasonable at the quantum level at an Urban Farm like Mezzacello. In this Workshop: Quantum Effects in Nature we explore the way chemicals, materials, math, energy, and physics coalesce and function in the world. Don't freak out, kids really LOVE this camp and workshop series.

90 Minute Factor

In this workshop we will explore how quantum effects like light, electricity, chemical elements and compounds, and molecular, and atomic systems can be managed, controlled and leveraged to do work.

• The first portion of the workshop will deal with understanding the way that physics and subtle quantum effects are used here at Mezzacello Urban Farm.
• After the intro, the workshop will allow students to experiment with the way we interact with these quantum effects in vision, color, life, biology, and energy via exercises in the BioTech shed (shed 4).
• The second portion of the workshop will empower students to use their new found insights to develop functional hypothesis of how the science of the VERY small impact our world in powerful ways.
• Finally, the students will use their better understanding of quantum effects to describe how these basic effects can be applied as a useful tool on the farm.
• At the end, students will share their perspectives with one another.

Half Day Factor

The Map of the quantum realm

In this expanded half-day workshop we will explore in a full design challenge that will employ basic engineering principles around quantum reality and the math behind it to solve an issue on the farm and will create a video presentation.

• The first portion of the workshop will deal with understanding the way that physics and subtle quantum effects are used here at Mezzacello Urban Farm.
• We'll start by exploring how the standard model of atomic theory interacts with the relativistic and classical mechanics of the observable world.
• Once we understand the way that nature proceeds from Ecosystem all the way down to Energy. Then they will map it out visually.
• For the rest of the workshop, the group will choose an aspect of the quantum realm to look at a real-world problem and find a solution.
• The second portion of the workshop will be entirely committed to creating a pathway game of how the key players in the quantum effects game interact with an animal, a plant, or a mechanical system.
• Once the pathway artifact is created it will be modeled and practiced.
• The workshop ends with the teams presenting their maps.
• Then using a "judging circle" model each team will discuss how their quantum effect supports or differs from each other in constructive critique and critical analysis.

Full Day Factor

Dirac's Equation as a map to understand nature

In this expanded full-day workshop we will create a full design challenge dealing with how we integrate electricity, engineering, and data to use and understand basic quantum effects in a real-world issue or problem at Mezzacello using the Design Cycle, and writing and recording a video presentation.

• The first portion of the workshop will deal with understanding the way that physics and subtle quantum effects are used here at Mezzacello Urban Farm.
• Run the Why is quantum physics important to an urban farm? design challenge.
• This design challenge will be conducted using two teams and must create a map of the standard model of quantum physics.
• The teams must then trade maps and explore at least one way that one aspect of the model is explained using their part of the standard model and working backwards or forwards until they can trace the line back to either the electron or the photon.
• Then we will break for lunch and play a game of their choice.
• In the second part of the workshop involves exploring the complete spectrum of light and the most of the complete spectrum of light and how we encounter it.
• Wave and particle duality will be explored using technology from microwaves to UV waves.
• The last part of the workshop will be spent creating a presentation of learning and a video.