CREST Star Investigators

CREST Star Investigators is a UK-wide award scheme, run by the British Science Association that enables children to solve scientific problems through practical investigation. The activities focus on thinking about, talking about, and doing science. They are designed to be used primarily outside of class time and a science background is not needed to run them, as full notes are provided as part of the resources.

Although designed for non-curricular learning, some activities may be suitable for the classroom. The activities develop the children's scientific enquiry skills in an enjoyable context with links to the curriculum where appropriate.

The CREST Star Investigators scheme has three awards, and also offers children the opportunity to become Young Science Ambassadors. Progressing through the awards, children undertake scientific problems in increasingly broad contexts. The Star award materials look at issues relevant to children’s everyday lives. Mega Star resources explore more wide-ranging problems including global and cross-cultural issues.

How to register for CREST Star Investigators
Schools, clubs and families can register for the CREST Star scheme at any time. There are three sets of resource packs to choose from, and additional materials are also available. Each pack will come with enough Star Logs, stickers and badges for 30 children.

CREST Star Investigators is organised and administered through a network of local co-ordinators. Many of the local co-ordinators also organise and administer the British Science Association's CREST award scheme (for 11-19 year olds) so they can advise on progression from CREST Star Investigators.

HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.

• URL: http://stem.org.uk/cxyf