Quantum computing is considered one of the key technologies of the future and is expected to have a lasting impact on science, industry, and society. To introduce school students to this cutting-edge field at an early stage, the non-profit educational initiative Science on Stage Germany has developed new teaching materials for secondary schools as part of its Quantum Computing in STEM Education project. The results of this European initiative were presented on June 19, 2026, at the KiezLab in Berlin.

Funded by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, the project was developed between 2024 and 2026 based on the principle of "by teachers, for teachers." 20 teachers from 15 European countries collaborated to create the modular teaching units that support the integration of quantum computing and quantum technologies into science education.

The new teaching materials, Quantum Computing in STEM Education, provide an age-appropriate introduction to the fundamentals of quantum computing and can be flexibly integrated into physics, mathematics, and computer science classes. The teaching modules cover topics ranging from fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics to introductory quantum algorithms, combining theoretical concepts with practical activities, interactive worksheets, and hands-on approaches.

The Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin was also involved in developing the materials. Dr. Jenny Schlüpmann from the Nordmeier research group coordinated the project alongside Dr. Jörg Gutschank, Chair of Science on Stage Germany, and Zdeňka Koupilová from Charles University in Prague. Dr. Sergio Rivera Hernandez from the Kubsch research group also contributed to the project as a visiting scientist.

At the public launch of the Quantum Computing in STEM Education project, Dr. Heike Riel, President of the German Physical Society, and Dr. Stefan Jorda, Managing Director of the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, highlighted the vital importance of quantum computing and quantum technologies for future innovation and education.

The project's initiator, Dr. Jörg Gutschank, emphasized: 

"With these teaching materials, we want to bring quantum technologies into general education and prepare students to engage with and actively shape a future that will increasingly be influenced by these technologies."