In more and more German federal states, computer science - often in conjunction with media education - is being introduced as a compulsory subject. For many teachers, this means: a new subject, often taught outside the subject - with little time to prepare.
SPARKS provides support here with directly applicable materials suitable for everyday use and innovative teaching concepts. They are technically sound, easy to use and designed in such a way that the lessons not only meet the learning objectives, but are also fun to teach.
We work closely with the Hopp Foundation, which has also set up a page for the new subject including a task card, the SAP Young Thinkers for the computer science part and klicksafe for the media education part and the parent communication required for the subject.
Baden-Wuerttemberg
Over the summer vacations, we will be adding to the material to enable an easy start for lessons in both grades. The next update date is September 8th.
In particular, we will publish (internally differentiated) lesson plans for all lessons. Our minimum goal for September 8 is to have all lessons completed by the fall break. Furthermore, we will differentiate according to school type and take inclusion into account. There will be a checklist for materials and equipment for each lesson. We will also provide the applicable legal framework for relevant topics such as personal rights and add information on how to communicate with parents during IuM lessons. There will be further assistance, such as a concrete proposal for schools regarding cell phone regulations (“Danish model”). More on this at the beginning of September!
The following is our overview with directly usable teaching material for grades 5 and 6 - adapted to the official reading aid of the Ministry of Education. Further down you will find all documents, also in editable form, in particular an “emergency plan” for the material distribution plan for the new grade 6, if the pupils have not had any corresponding lessons so far. Currently, our documents are only available in German.
With the publication of the new education plan, this offer will be adapted and constantly expanded: further class levels, updated content, lesson plans and innovative teaching concepts will follow. Our material is aimed particularly at teachers without specific computer science or media education experience. We don't see this as a disadvantage - because computer science and media education play an important role in all subject areas and so you can better contribute your perspective. We would like to design our material together with the teaching staff and therefore welcome feedback!
Do you have any questions, suggestions or specific teaching ideas?
Please get in touch with our project manager: elbracht@sparks4school.org
Here are the editable versions of our documents:
General information - information on the curriculum, grading and annual planning
Subject distribution plan 5th grade
Subject distribution plan 6th grade
Subject distribution plan 6th grade (without BMB in 5th grade)
Curriculum 5th grade
Curriculum 6th grade