Acquiring initial programming skills while simultaneously training problem-solving abilities – this is the goal of the German state of Baden-Württemberg with its “ComThink” project. The company fischertechnik is a strong partner in this initiative. A key impetus for the project came from the visit of State Secretary Sandra Boser, MdL, who gained a personal impression of the project's progress at the Helmholtz-Gymnasium in Karlsruhe. The school is one of a total of 404 secondary schools in Baden-Württemberg that will be equipped with fischertechnik sets by the end of 2026.
Acquiring initial programming skills while simultaneously training problem-solving abilities – this is the goal of the German state of Baden-Württemberg with its “ComThink” project. The company fischertechnik is a strong partner in this initiative. A key impetus for the project came from the visit of State Secretary Sandra Boser, MdL, who gained a personal impression of the project's progress at the Helmholtz-Gymnasium in Karlsruhe. The school is one of a total of 404 secondary schools in Baden-Württemberg that will be equipped with fischertechnik sets by the end of 2026.
The project is part of the Ministry of Education’s innovation program “Digital School” in Baden-Württemberg. It aims to strengthen students' skills in using digital technologies and systematic problem-solving. “I am very pleased to see how creatively the children and young people are working with the ComThink sets. By integrating computational thinking into the classroom, we enable learners and teachers not only to use the digital world but to actively shape it,” emphasized State Secretary Sandra Boser, MdL. “The project ‘Computational Thinking in Lower Secondary Education’ is a key component of the ‘Digital School’ innovation program. It promotes future skills and helps sustainably connect schools across Baden-Württemberg. I’m delighted that the first ComThink sets have been delivered and that we can now equip more and more schools.” With the fischertechnik sets, students experience firsthand how technical understanding, creativity, and teamwork go hand in hand.
Another advantage: fischertechnik manufactures exclusively in Germany – ensuring top quality, short delivery routes, and maximum flexibility for schools.
Strong Partnership with the State Media Center
The State Media Center of Baden-Württemberg coordinates the project and values the close collaboration with the manufacturer from the Black Forest: “We greatly appreciate the close and constructive cooperation with fischertechnik during the project implementation. There is a high level of flexibility and willingness to cooperate,” praised Fabian Karg, Deputy Director of the State Media Center.
Quality and practical relevance were also key criteria in selecting the supplier: “The sets enable hands-on learning in mechanics and programming. They are very well suited for use in secondary school classrooms,” explained Juanjuan Jia, project manager at the State Media Center.
Technology that Connects: fischertechnik in everyday School Life
With the fischertechnik sets, students learn to work with sensors, actuators, and control technology in a playful way – while developing essential future skills: critical thinking, algorithmic understanding, and creative problem-solving strategies.
The sets are specifically designed for educational use and promote STEM skills as well as social competencies such as cooperation and communication.
“We are pleased that our products have such a lasting impact in education. We are especially proud of the positive feedback from schools – not only in Baden-Württemberg but hopefully soon in other federal states as well,” said Martin Rogler, Managing Director of fischertechnik.
The example from Baden-Württemberg shows: when ministries, schools, and innovative, flexible partners like fischertechnik work together, digitalization in schools can be implemented in a concrete, practical, and sustainable way. Because digitalization works best when theory and practice come together – and when children and young people become active creators of their own learning environment.
