Plancktopia: Students found their own state in Böblingen!

Plancktopia: Students found their own state in Böblingen!

History will come to life at the Max Planck High School in Böblingen from July 25, 2025. For four days, the school is transformed into a fictional state called “Plancktopia”. Around 900 students take on the roles of politicians, entrepreneurs and civil servants. As the Stuttgart News report, the project was developed by high school graduates from the class of 2026 as part of a seminar course. The aim is to make civic and economic thinking alive and tangible.

The project goes far beyond the four project days and extends over the entire school year. “Plancktopia” is organized as a parliamentary monarchy in which students develop their own constitution, political system and infrastructure. On the way to implementation, the young people experience what it means to build a functioning state, including setting up companies and managing public services.

Experience democracy up close

One of the central ideas behind “Plancktopia” is the age-appropriate teaching of democracy. As already in the Website of the Max Planck High School noted, all relevant state organs are staffed by students and teachers. Teachers and students act equally as citizens, employees and employers. This creates a place where democracy does not remain just theoretical knowledge, but can be experienced practically.

A particularly exciting aspect is the election campaign between four parties that were democratically elected by the student body. The whole thing is accompanied by extensive use of social media. Throughout the entire project, the students are involved in their tasks, be it developing laws or setting up their own financial system. You will learn terms such as “money cycle” and “inflation” in a playful way.

Visit the fictional state

The public is warmly invited to visit “Plancktopia” on the project days on July 25th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The supporting program promises a festival full of music, creative stands and culinary delicacies such as burgers, waffles and mocktails. Project manager Timo Schimpke repeatedly emphasizes the importance of social skills when dealing with guests.

The project is part of a broader movement to strengthen democracy education in schools. Around the from the Federal Agency for Civic Education The objectives outlined underline the importance of the capacity for democracy for the young generation. At a time when social challenges such as right-wing extremism and intolerance are increasing, it is more important than ever to integrate these topics into everyday school life. The students from Böblingen demonstrate impressively how to make democracy tangible and promote a sense of responsibility.