Metz-Miller Helps Shape National Quantum Physics Curriculum This Summer

Webster Schroeder High School physics teacher Stephanie Metz-Miller spent part of her summer representing our school district on a national stage! Steph was selected as one of just eight K-12 science educators across the country to participate in the prestigious PhET Summer Working Group at the University of Colorado Boulder.

From July 27–30, Steph worked alongside university faculty, PhET simulation designers, and fellow STEM leaders in Boulder, Colorado. The goal of the workshop was to review cutting-edge interactive quantum simulations and build practical, accessible lessons for high school classrooms.

Key highlights of her work included:

• Testing Software Prototypes: Previewing and providing direct feedback on PhET’s newest quantum physics simulation prototypes before they hit the public site.
• Curriculum Creation: Authoring two complete classroom activity packages—including student worksheets and accompanying teacher guides—grounded in PhET’s Equity Framework and challenge-driven learning prompts.
• National Networking: Joining a select group of K-12 teachers and university professors to bridge the gap between secondary and higher-education physics instruction.

"Collaborating directly with the PhET design team and educators from across the country was an incredible experience,” Steph shared. “Quantum physics can feel abstract to high schoolers, but these interactive tools make complex concepts visual and engaging. I’m excited to pilot these new activities with our students this school year!”

PhET Interactive Simulations is a world-renowned non-profit project based at CU Boulder whose open educational resources are used by millions of teachers globally. Having a Webster CSD educator directly contribute to curricula that will be used nationwide during the 2026–27 school year is an incredible achievement.