Quantum Computing in STEM Education

One of our member countries, Science on Stage Germany, works with secondary school teachers from all over Europe in an international project to develop teaching materials on "Quantum Computing in STEM Education".

What makes quantum computing so relevant?

Quantum computers have the potential to fundamentally change our lives in many areas. Dealing with this topic at school prepares students to later actively participate in the design of this future technology. But how can we implement this very relevant topic into the classroom and bring it closer to students?

We asked participants, experts and coordinators of the project what makes the topic of quantum computing so exciting.

Aims of the project

Development and testing of teaching materials on the subject of quantum computing in STEM education with the following goals:

• Usable directly in physics, mathematics and/or computer science classes by teachers with little previous experience;
• Get students excited about the topic of quantum computing and show career opportunities in this area;
• Students get to know the underlying, fundamental quantum mechanical concepts;
• Promote analytical and critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills;
• Clarify the relevance of this technology for the future.

Project kick-off meeting

In February 2024, 20 teachers from 15 countries came together in Berlin for the start of the two year cooperation. Supported by the project coordinators and experts, they spent a whole weekend discussing how this topic can be implemented in classrooms all over Europe and brainstormed concrete teaching ideas. Over the upcoming months, the teachers will work in teams to develop tried-and-tested teaching materials on quantum computing which can be directly used by teachers in different subjects as well as used interdisciplinary.

Project outlook

In the next two years project participants will develop and test teaching materials ranging from introducing the basics of quantum mechanics and quantum computing in the class room, to practical applications and quantum algorithms. The teaching material will be published in 2026 as open educational resources on the Science on Stage Germany and Europe websites in German and English. The materials will include interactive elements teachers can directly use with their students as well as information about possible careers and how to connect the material to career orientation.

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