Quantum Computing in STEM Education

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.

Teachers discussed how quantum computing can be introduced in the classroom, focusing on implementation challenges and the need for accessible materials that support educators and engage students across subjects and levels.

Project groups shared the current state of their teaching materials and identified overlaps and connections. The meeting highlighted the goal of developing coherent, classroom‑tested materials that offer low‑threshold access to quantum computing and motivate both teachers and students.

Throughout 2024, all project groups continuously developed their teaching materials independently, sharing progress and coordinating to ensure coherence and avoid overlap.

Throughout 2025, the project’s working groups met regularly in person and online to further develop and refine their teaching materials. These meetings supported content alignment, testing of experiments, and the development of interactive elements, with ongoing coordination and feedback from the project coordinators.

The second in‑person project meeting in Berlin focused on finalising the teaching units developed by the four working groups and planning the remaining steps towards publication in April 2026. Participants worked intensively in their groups, received feedback from coordinators and external experts, and agreed on a shared timeline for the final project phase. 

Key topics included didactic alignment across subjects and grade levels, the development of interdisciplinary learning pathways for physics, mathematics and computer science, and the definition of common quality criteria. By clearly coordinating and delimiting the content of the working groups, the project moved closer to a coherent, accessible set of teaching materials that combines real‑world applications with low‑threshold entry points for classroom practice.

In the context of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, the project was presented at a wide range of national and international events. Through workshops, conference contributions and panel discussions, teachers were introduced to quantum computing and gained early insights into the developing teaching materials. 

Activities took place across Europe and online, including teacher training courses, Science on Stage festivals, professional conferences and networking events. A strong focus was placed on exchange with the teaching community and on preparing educators for the future use of the materials in the classroom. Key partnerships included close collaboration with the German Physical Society (DPG), as well as contributions to initiatives such as the Stifterverband’s Quantum Skills programme.

During the final project phase, the teaching materials are reviewed, refined and prepared for publication. The working groups incorporate feedback from previous meetings and pilot use, ensure didactic consistency across subjects and levels, and align content, terminology and structure. This phase also includes final quality checks and the preparation of the materials for publication on the project website in English and German.