arXiv subjects

Nancy Kawalek

Publications and source records attributed to Nancy Kawalek.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Game Design Inspired by Quantum Physics: A Case Study on The Quantum Photo Booth

In this paper, we explain the conceptual development of the STAGE Lab Quantum Casino (a.k.a. the STAGE Lab Quantum Arcade), one of the Lab's most recent artistic endeavors about quantum physics. This work consists of a series of card and digital games and an interactive experience, exposing the public to quantum physics and minimizing learning barriers. Furthermore, we will also present a case study of the interactive experience, in the form of The Quantum Photo Booth. The STAGE Lab Quantum Casino provides an entertaining and approachable experience for people of all ages to become familiar with quantum physics. By using core concepts of quantum physics as tools and strategies to overcome challenges that arise in gameplay, players gain an intuitive understanding of these concepts. These games provide players with a first-hand experience of the following quantum physics concepts: measurement, superposition, encryption, decoherence, and entanglement. Instead of teaching the concepts through a traditional classroom pedagogy, these games aim to invoke curiosity, spark moments of playfulness, and catalyze play-centric learning modalities. This paper provides a general overview of the development of the STAGE Lab Quantum Casino, focusing on The Quantum Photo Booth experience and how science is integrated into the very nature of the game development process in addition to its outcome.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2024

Exploring the effectiveness of documentary film for science communication

The complexity of science and its frequent lack of accessibility often creates disinterest among the general public. Furthermore, there exists a gap between the public perception of science and the reality of scientific research, which severely limits the scope of public engagement with science. A new docuseries, Curiosity-The Making of a Scientist, created at the STAGE Lab at the University of Chicago, addresses this issue by increasing the awareness and excitement around science and scientists. Each film of Curiosity focuses on a single scientist and tells the story of how they became a scientist by interweaving elements of their personal life together with the successes and failures they encounter in their scientific work. Our intended audience includes scientists and non-scientists with little or no previous exposure to quantum physics or science. The pilot of the series, SUPERPOSITION, is a 25-minute film about a graduate student in quantum physics at the University of Chicago. To evaluate the success of this film, it was screened to several audiences covering most age groups, and audience members were requested to fill out a detailed anonymous survey after the viewing. Via these surveys, viewers reported an increased interest in science and a connection to the personal story of the graduate student that was purposefully woven throughout the film.

physics.pop-ph↗