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About
Q.U.I.N.N. (Quantum Understanding and Interactive Navigation for Newbies) is a curriculum-aligned educational resource designed to make the complex world of elementary particles accessible and engaging. Through interactive simulations, 3D models, simple diagrams, and embedded worksheet questions, Q.U.I.N.N. supports students in understanding The Standard Model—the framework that explains the fundamental particles of the universe, such as quarks, leptons, and bosons.
This resource is intended for teachers to share with their students in Years 7–12. It includes dedicated teacher guides and student worksheets to support structured learning and classroom integration—one set for Years 7–10 and another for Years 11–12. Students in Years 7–10 can explore foundational concepts in a fun, visual format, while students in Years 11–12 are supported to dive deeper into advanced topics such as quantum field theory and the Higgs boson. The activities support learning in the areas of Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry.
Q.U.I.N.N. can be used independently or alongside classroom teaching to reinforce learning, encourage exploration, and build confidence in quantum concepts. Developed in collaboration with physics educators and researchers, it also includes citations and further reading to support ongoing discovery.
The student worksheets have been designed for printing; therefore, only an accessible PDF version has been supplied.
Q.U.I.N.N. is a collaboration between CSIRO and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS).
Citation: Lachlan Miller & William Campbell. (2025). Digital Interactive Standard Model of Particle Physics: A collaboration between EQUS and CSIRO.
Available resources
Australian Curriculum links
View how these resources can be linked to certain learning areas within the Australian curriculum.
Download Australian Curriculum links PDF (325 KB)
Download Australian Curriculum links - text version TXT (11 KB)
Teacher and student resources
Q.U.I.N.N. educational platform
This educational platform is designed to provide an intuitive, interactive experience for learners of the fundamental model of elementary particles, which constitute the building blocks of the quantum world. Aligning with the curriculum and reinforced with worksheet questions, this page helps users grasp the nature of elementary particles like quarks, leptons, and bosons through interactive simulations, 3D models, and detailed diagrams.
The platform is aimed primarily at junior and senior high school students who have an interest in physics, offering a user-friendly way to navigate complex topics. It is also an excellent tool for curious minds and educators who want to engage in interactive learning.
Q.U.I.N.N. enables a hands-on approach to exploring quantum mechanics, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and visual understanding. The project was developed in collaboration with physics educators and researchers to ensure accurate, accessible information. Citations and further reading materials are included to encourage deeper exploration.
Q.U.I.N.N. is designed for students in Years 7–12 to explore under the guidance of their teacher.
Open the Q.U.I.N.N. educational platform
Junior resources
Q.U.I.N.N. helps junior students explore the exciting world of elementary particles in a fun and interactive way. Using simple diagrams, 3D models, and simulations, students can easily grasp the building blocks of the universe and see how particles interact in The Standard Model.
The purpose of this worksheet is to provide an introduction to The Standard Model for years 7-10 students. Students can complete this worksheet in consultation with the Q.U.I.N.N educational platform.
Access to the Internet is essential for student research and further inquiries. A practical lesson is a good format for students to ask experiment design questions and receive immediate feedback.
Download the junior teacher guide PDF (407 KB)
Download the junior student worksheet PDF (590 KB)
Download the junior teacher guide TXT (2 KB)
Senior resources
The Q.U.I.N.N. educational platform and associated worksheets offers senior students a deeper dive into The Standard Model, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of particle physics. Advanced concepts like quantum field theory, symmetry breaking, and the Higgs boson are presented with interactive simulations that allow you to experiment with these principles in a visually engaging way.
This worksheet provides year 11-12 students with an opportunity to consolidate and reinforce their understanding of The Standard Model.
Download the senior teacher guide PDF (333 KB)
Download the senior student worksheet PDF (403 KB)
Download the senior teacher guide TXT (2 KB)
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