Izzy Jones’s Quantum World

Co-curated by the Science and Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH) and the Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME) project, Pottle and Thomas have produced a unique and innovative resource for children to engage with scientific principles in ways applicable to their everyday lives.

The story follows protagonist Izzy as she navigates personal anxieties, learning what she can, and can’t, control in her life. The book communicates the concept of variables in science, with an introductory insight into the world of quantum computers. Crucially, it is compatible with and considerate of the school curriculum.

The resource draws upon the pioneering work of quantum scientists in the NAME project, a collaborative body of research between The University of Manchester, The University of Leeds and Imperial College London, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Pottle and Thomas hope to see Izzy carry the story of Quantum as far and wide as possible: “Together, we have co-created a way to engage young people with concepts that underpin Quantum research. Using her story, we’ve made a resource that is fit-for-purpose, age-related, and most importantly, meaningful within a mainstream curriculum context.

This is a prime opportunity to really make a difference by sharing great science together.”

Izzy Jones’s Quantum World was released on World Quantum Day, Sunday 14 April, and launched alongside a set of curated school resources for pupils aged 5-14 within The Great Science Share for Schools campaign.

Bringing a tale of self-discovery (and quantum science) to school children.

At first glance, using the words ‘school’ and ‘quantum science’ in the same sentence seems rather paradoxical. However, scientists at The University of Manchester believe integrating the fundamentals of larger scientific concepts into the primary and secondary school curriculum is actually completely logical.

Izzy Jones’s Quantum World is the bi-product of award-winning primary science teachers Jules Pottle and Rufus Thomas, fusing creativity and accessibility with their shared passion of science and engineering.

Book cover featuring a young girl with long dark hair looking upward with a thoughtful expression. The background is filled with scientific and mathematical diagrams and notes. The title 'Izzy Jones, Quantum World' is prominently displayed in large red and black letters. Additional text indicates the authors as Jules Potle and Rufus Thomas, and mentions they are winners of the ASE Book of the Year.

Learn more about the Science and Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH) in The Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester.