Kvanta Virtual Classroom: A Year Full of Curiosity, Experiments, and Discovery
Kvanta – the Virtual Classroom has had a successful year. Throughout this school year, two semesters were held in which high school students from various parts of Slovakia dove into the world of quantum physics – in a way that goes beyond ordinary school lessons.
The program was designed for curious students roughly in the range 12 – 18 years old, who wanted to ask questions, try experiments in practice, and discover how the world works at its most fundamental level. The sessions were held in a hybrid format — both online and in person, primarily at RCQI at the Institute of Physics at the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava.
From Questions to Experiments
Kvanta – the Virtual Classroom was not built on ready-made answers, but on the process of discovery. Participants gradually became acquainted with basic principles of quantum physics, engaged in discussions, asked questions, and participated in real experiments. One such experiment was exploring and observing the polarization of light, where students could not only hear about physical phenomena but observe them firsthand.
Thanks to the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic, high-quality equipment was used during the experiments, allowing us to present quantum physics in its practical form.”
The journey continued beyond the summer
An exciting continuation of the classroom was that some students returned after the summer break, choosing to meet again and further develop their interest in physics. In September they worked together on building and exploring a Michelson interferometer made from LEGO bricks, which again proved that science can be playful, creative, and accessible.
Our students introduced the principles of quantum physics to the general public in a playful way during the European Researcher Night 2025 in Bratislava.
The LEGOratory project from the Kvanta Virtual Classroom was also featured on TV Markíza in the morning show Teleráno.
Certificates of Completion and Future Plans
At the end of each semester, participants received a certificate of successful completion of the Virtual Classroom Kvanta — a symbolic recognition of their effort, curiosity, and active participation throughout the program.
We are very pleased to have worked with such talented and motivated students. Their interest, questions, and eagerness to learn are a strong motivation for us to continue. The Virtual Classroom Kvanta will continue in the next year, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning participants who choose to explore the quantum world with us.
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