STEM DISCOVERY CAMPAIGN
2026
At ŽTŠ Moravice, we continue to explore programming, electronics, renewable energy, and the creation of multilingual websites this year as well.
Every problem is a new puzzle, and every success is a small victory of science
In the first part of the project, students were introduced to the basics of working with the Arduino platform, which is one of the most popular platforms for learning electronics and programming. Through practical activities, they learned how to connect simple electronic components such as LEDs, resistors, and buttons.
Special emphasis was placed on understanding how an electrical circuit works and how to properly connect elements on the development board. Students also explored how various sensors work, such as temperature, light, and distance sensors.
By programming in the Arduino IDE environment, they learned how to control components and collect data from the environment. Through a series of tasks, they developed logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
They independently created simple projects, such as automatically turning on a light or measuring room temperature. Working in pairs and teams encouraged collaboration and the exchange of ideas among students.
Through this part of the project, students gained basic knowledge of electronics and programming. This practical approach enabled them to better understand STEM fields and the application of technology in everyday life.
From code to motion – students create their own machine
After the introductory part of working with the Arduino platform, the students started building their own robotic arm, applying the knowledge they had acquired in a concrete project. In this process, they became familiar with servo motors, their operating principle, and the possibility of precise control of the rotation angle. They analyzed different models in order to select those that best suited the needs of their robotic arm, taking into account power, range of motion, and size. They also explored additional Arduino board extensions that enable easier control of a larger number of servo motors.
The next step was creating a program in the Arduino IDE, where they defined how to control individual parts of the arm. The students learned how to synchronize the operation of multiple motors so that the movements of the arm would be precise and coordinated. At the same time, they also worked on the physical construction of the robotic arm, using different materials and tools. They paid special attention to the stability of the structure and the correct connection of all elements.
Through this part of the project, the students developed technical skills, creativity, and the ability to solve more complex problems. They independently made decisions and tested different solutions in order to improve the functionality of their robotic arm. The final result was a functional model that can perform basic movements, which gave the students a sense of achievement and additional motivation for further exploration in the STEM field.
Knowledge that travels – a bilingual story by students
In the third part of the project, students focused on upgrading their website so that it would be accessible and understandable to a wider audience. The initial version of the page was created in Croatian, and the students’ task was to translate all the content into English and enable easy switching between the two languages.
During this process, students developed their language skills, especially in the field of technical and IT English. They translated project descriptions, instructions, as well as technical terms related to the Arduino platform and the construction of a robotic arm, paying attention to accuracy and clarity of expression. They paid special attention to adapting the translation so that the text would be clear and natural to English speakers.
In addition to the language component, students also worked on the technical implementation of bilingualism. They introduced a language selection option on the website, allowing users to switch between Croatian and English with a single click. This expanded the functionality of the website and improved the user experience.
This part of the project enabled students to connect knowledge from computer science and a foreign language, develop precision in expression, and understand the importance of adapting digital content for an international audience.
