An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Through Neuroscience and CERN Data

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Abstract

(1) Background: One of the greatest challenges students face when studying quantum mechanics is the lack of daily experience and intuition about its concepts. This article introduces a holistic activity designed to present some foundational ideas of quantum mechanics in a new pedagogical approach to enhance students’ motivation. Using real open data from CERN, the activity connects classical concepts of dynamics and electromagnetism to their quantum counterparts, emphasizing both their similarities and differences. Teaching physics must consider the way the brain learns. That is why the activity is based on observed neuroscientific principles of physics learning. The approach maintains the rigor and precision required for these abstract concepts. (2) Methods: To evaluate the activity’s impact by gender, intrinsic motivation was assessed using a Likert-type scale with 81 undergraduate students from fields including artificial intelligence systems engineering, computer engineering, mathematical engineering, and architecture. (3) Results: a Mann–Whitney U test analysis indicates the activity significantly enhances students’ intrinsic motivation to study quantum mechanics, with improvements observed in both male and female students. (4) Conclusions: This result highlights the potential of the activity to promote greater interest in physics, both in men and women, since no significant differences have been observed between both samples.