STEM Discovery Lab – From data to real-world solutions

STEM Discovery Lab is an educational program aimed at bringing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEM/STEAM) closer to girls in an interactive and encouraging way. The program is part of the European project STREAM IT, implemented by the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research (MIR) in partnership with 21 organizations from 20 countries.

Within the program, participants have the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities, group projects, and team challenges, with a focus on the learning process itself—asking questions, experimenting, and discovering solutions—rather than on “correct answers.” In implementing the workshops, MIR achieved successful collaboration with Startup Club Skopje, who supported the organization and implementation of the activities.

During the third and fourth workshops, 20 girls from different high schools deepened their knowledge and practical skills in STEM.

Workshop 3 – “From data to solutions: Data engineering”

The girls were introduced to basic concepts of data, information, and algorithms, as well as the practical application of Data Engineering. They worked with simple datasets—collecting, organizing, and analyzing data—and learned how data is used in applications, AI, and everyday situations. Some of the activities included Data Bingo, Data Detectives, and short group presentations.

This workshop was led by Dragan Gelevski, CTO of Hylosense, who guided the participants through the activities with enthusiasm and practical examples.

We asked the participants: What was the most interesting and useful part of the workshop? Here’s what they shared:

“The most valuable part of the workshop for me was learning how data is processed and how unnecessary information is removed.”

“The most interesting and valuable part was the hands-on exercises with the team and Dragan’s shared experience.”

“Being able to apply theoretical knowledge through practical activities was great.”

Workshop 4 – “Coding & robotics lab: from logic to action”

The fourth workshop was held at the FabLab premises, in collaboration with FEIT, where the girls worked with Arduino and sensors. They created practical projects such as lifting ramps, RFID unlocking systems, and sound-controlled lights. Working in small groups helped them see how logic and code are transformed into real-world solutions.

The workshop was delivered by Daniela Stojčeska, teaching assistant at FEIT, who supported the girls in their hands-on work and encouraged creativity and exploration.

We asked the participants: What was the most interesting and useful part of the workshop? Here’s what they shared:

“The most interesting part was working with sensors and making the light turn on and off using sound.”

“I liked the practical part with Arduino programming the most. It was fun and educational to see how code becomes something tangible.”

“Every activity was interesting because I had the chance to practically apply what I learned.”

Gratitude and collaboration

Special thanks to Dragan Gelevski and Daniela Stojčeska for their dedication, expertise, and inspiring approach, as well as to FEIT and FabLab for the collaboration that made these hands-on workshops possible.

What’s next?

Next week, the focus will be on artificial intelligence, with two workshops:

• Workshop 5: “How Does AI Think? – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence”
• Workshop 6: “AI in Action – From a Real Problem to a Smart Solution”

The program continues to offer hands-on projects, meetings with inspiring role models, and exploration of career pathways in STEM.

STEM Discovery Lab is a space where girls learn that they have the right to ask questions, experiment, and build their future in STEM—with curiosity, confidence, and support.

📢 Follow the website and communication channels for upcoming sessions and activities.