Turning quantum physics into fodder for five year olds

23 August 2004

Children as young as five could be swapping Barbie dolls and Tonka trucks for story books on quantum physics thanks to Dr Yvette Hancock from Monash University's School of Physics and Materials Engineering.

The 33 year old academic has written one children's book, is well on her way to completing a second and is planning a whole series which she hopes to become the quantum physics version of the popular Little Golden Books.

"The concept is quite exciting because there is so much to teach people about physics. A series of books could really help to break down the barriers and fears that children hold on the subject," Dr Hancock said.

"There is a real need for this type of contribution and the potential outcomes for science and physics would be enormous. Physics is the language of nature's many beautiful and fundamental secrets. It would be a privilege to share this and my love of physics with children."

Ellie the Electron is the main character in her yet to be published first book, which delves into the topic of many-body quantum physics (the way electrons interact or "talk" to one another).

Inspired from her PhD thesis, Dr Hancock said she had a burst of inspiration and two hours later her thesis had been transformed into a story for kids.

She is currently working on another book called Psi -- the wave function, which refers to another quantum physics specific term. Like Ellie the Electron, Dr Hancock will use Psi as a character in the story to bring the tale of this famous wave equation to life.

Dr Hancock said she has tried to capture the excitement of quantum physics by focusing on cutting edge research in the field.

"So far the stories have been drawn from my research which has real applications to science. There is no reason why we can't communicate this research to everyone, especially to children," she said.

For further information contact or to arrange interviews contact Ingrid Sanders in Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201. Photos of Dr Yvette Hancock are available.