STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It represents a broad educational focus aimed at developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and innovation. STEM education integrates these four disciplines to encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of how various fields interconnect. This study focuses on the static and kinematic analysis of a scissor lift STEM toy, utilizing both analytical methods and design software simulations. The first objective is to develop a detailed 3D model of the toy’s scissor lift mechanism based on physical measurements and observations. The model is then analysed using computer-aided design (CAD) software to evaluate its static equilibrium and motion characteristics. The results from the software simulations are compared with the analytical findings. The study contributes to understanding the mechanical behaviour of scissor lift mechanisms and demonstrates the advantages and limitations of different analysis approaches.

In this paper, the elastic behaviour in bending of three-layer plywood cantilever beams is analysed. Deflections of straight and half-circle cantilevers, loaded with a force at free end is determined experimentally and calculated using analytical and finite element method approach. The analytical calculation of deflection for the strait cantilever is obtained using a transformed cross section. The deflection of half-circle cantilever is determined by the classical laminated plate theory and Castigliano’s theorem. Loads and cantilever dimensions are varied in the study using the design of experiment. The deflection regression models for straight and semicircular plywood cantilevers are obtained from the experimental results. Analytically and numerically determined deflections of strait and half-circle cantilevers show very good agreement. Experimentally recorded deflections are approximately 30 % higher than analytical values. Stiffness properties and deflection values are influenced by direction of fibres in the outer layers of a three-layer plywood beam.

<p style="text-align: justify;">PowerPoint is a popular classroom tool to make simple presentations. Such presentations can be flat when creating interactive lessons for students to use while sitting in front of the computers. Using built-in scripting features, Visual Basic for Applications, the interactivity of PowerPoint can be extended to unlimited dimensions. This paper has to aim to introduce basic scripts needed for modeling quiz questions and it is focused on educators<br />with little or no programming background. Quiz questions can be an important part of the e-learning.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the paper stress analysis of rotary kiln support rollers is conducted. Stress state in the support rollers is caused by temperature gradient, shrinkfit connection between shaft and roller and by the contact with kiln ring. The stress analysis is done analytically and numerically, and the results obtained are compared.</p>