snap.schule is now online! This free programming environment is specifically tailored to the new required course “Computer Science and Media Education” (IuM) in Baden-Württemberg and is now available to all teachers and schools. More states are coming soon!

 

snap.schule is the first educational platform that specifically aligns the visual block-based programming language Snap! with German curriculum standards. Snap! has been proven effective in classroom settings, offers academically challenging content, and is even used in university-level instruction. What makes it unique is that teachers and students work consistently with a single language, from elementary school through high school.

Accessible, but challenging

Teachers need neither prior knowledge nor a degree in computer science to use snap.schule. The interface, which has been deliberately kept simple, allows for a quick start while offering full flexibility for more challenging projects. Get started right away in your next class or customize the puzzles to meet your specific needs: both are possible.

The platform runs entirely in the browser, with no installation required. Ready-made puzzles, accompanying materials, and data protection-compliant storage on German servers make it easy to use in everyday school life. Browser-based, data protection-compliant, and free!

That’s exactly where IuM comes in

Over the past few months, we have already published comprehensive practical guides for IuM in grades 5 and 6. With snap.schule, the logical next step is now here: Starting in grade 6, students need a programming environment that aligns with the curriculum and, at the same time, sparks their interest in programming. The project is based on the current guide and will be updated accordingly once the final curriculum is released.

A strong team behind the scenes

snap.schule is a collaborative project: It is run by the nonprofit educational organization sparks4school in partnership with SAP as an open-source project, with roots in academia and supported by subject-matter experts. The project is led by people who have been working for years to promote quality computer science education:

  • Jens Mönig (SAP), a co-developer of Scratch at MIT and later of Snap! with the University of California, Berkeley, continues to develop both the puzzles and the programming language itself.
  • Jadga Hügle (SAP), originally a biologist, explores creative approaches through music, art, embroidery, and biology, and develops puzzles and teaching materials.
  • Sébastien Elbracht (sparks4school), with a background in computer science, media education, and theater education, is responsible for project development.
  • Prof. Dr. Tilman Michaeli (Technical University of Munich), head of the Computing Education Research Group, provides snap.schule with subject-specific pedagogical advice.
  • Steffen Haschler (sparks4school), winner of the 2025 German Teacher Award, supports the project from a teacher’s perspective.
  • Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Verstehbahnhof) ensures that snap.schule is securely hosted in a German data center.
  • Marc Campreciós (freelance web designer) designer of the MicroBlocks side, designs the website to be appealing for schools.

In addition, there are other contributors from universities, schools, and industry. What unites them all is the belief that quality computer science education must be accessible to all students, regardless of school type, prior experience, or budget.

Get started now

snap.schule is now available online at snap.schule. Teachers who would like to get started with the platform can sign up for our free webinars at events.sparks4school.org/snap.

The practical guides for grades 5 and 6 are also available for free download: sparks4school.org/ium.

Sign up for our english newsletter to receive updates on the project: sparks4school.org/newsletter

We look forward to further bring this new subject in Baden-Württemberg to life.

Contact:
Sébastien Elbracht
ium@sparks4school.org