MINT/STEM | Academics | International School of Bremen

MINT-EC is the German National Excellence Network of Secondary Schools. The acronym "MINT" represents Mathematics (Mathematik), IT (Informatik), Natural Sciences (Naturwissenschaften), and Technology (Technik), aligning with the international concept of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

The International School of Bremen was awarded MINT-EC status in 2015. It is the only international school in Germany and one of just three schools in the State of Bremen to be part of this prestigious network, overseen by the KMK (Kultusministerkonferenz).

Being a member of the MINT-EC network highlights our commitment to excellence in STEM education and enhances our profile within both local and international communities. This affiliation provides our students, teachers and administrators with exclusive opportunities, including high-profile funding programmes and participation in events that inspire further STEM engagement.

To sustain our MINT-EC certification, we ensure exceptional teaching across all STEM disciplines. Our dedicated team enhances this with a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including a weekly STEM Club, Maths enrichment and support, Robotics Club, engaging STEM field trips and opportunities to participate in both national and international competitions. These activities further develop the STEM profile of our students and nurture a passion for learning in these vital fields

Project-led Learning Activities
The students' knowledge of STEM is further encouraged by using project-led learning activities including the following: Drop Tower Project (DroPS): In collaboration with the Centre of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), students have the opportunity to conduct their own experiments in a state-of-the-art drop tower. This programme allows students to explore the effects of microgravity, providing a hands-on experience in conducting scientific research under unique conditions. Cubes in Space Programme: In partnership with NASA, students' projects are selected for the possibility of being sent to space, aiming to inspire curiosity and innovation in space science. Collaborative Science Projects Combined with Arts: Each year, the school showcases Grade 11 students' collaborative science projects alongside an art exhibition. This initiative highlights projects that integrate scientific inquiry with artistic expression, demonstrating creativity and innovation in STEM. STEM Fair: The school hosts an annual STEM Fair for Grades 5–8, where students work in small groups of 2 to 3 on a range of projects. These projects encompass scientific experiments, mathematical investigations, and technological innovations. The fair provides students with opportunities to collaborate, enhance their problem-solving skills, and apply their knowledge across multiple STEM disciplines. Through this event, students develop a deeper understanding of STEM concepts while fostering teamwork and creativity.
Regular Field Trips
STEM is supported by regular field trips designed to motivate our students and broaden their understanding of science and technology. We have annual visits to the following STEM-related sites: Explore Science: Yearly event in Bürgerpark, Bremen Universum: Science and Maths Shows and Workshops Olbers Planetarium Bremen Field trip to Berlin: Futurium, Deutsches Technikmuseum, Zeiss Großplanetarium, Science Center Spectrum, and the Disgusting Food Museum
Competitions
To nurture a competitive spirit and encourage active participation in STEM, students have the opportunity to compete in a diverse range of competitions, including: Jugend Forscht (for ages 15 - 21) Junior Jugend Forscht (for ages 10 - 14) Cubes in Space Competition ISB Annual STEM Fair Hackathon Bremen Purple Comet Maths Competition International Kangaroo Maths Competition Germany-wide Junior ING (Engineering) Competition World Robot Olympiad In-school competitions, such as the Sustainable Poster Competition Students and teachers also have the opportunity to take part in camps, workshops and events, including online events, offered by the MINT-EC network, which is dedicated to advancing STEM education and fostering innovation among schools and students in Germany.
MINT Certificate
In order to recognise the students’ excellent profile in STEM, students who participate in these activities can obtain a MINT-EC certificate. This certificate clusters and documents the special commitment of students to STEM during their entire school career. In addition to academic achievement, extracurricular STEM activities are included in the assessment. The students must meet minimum requirements in three areas: "Professional competence", "Scientific work" and "Additional STEM activities".