CREST Discovery
A fun introduction to STEM project work! Developed by the British Science Association, students complete either a single activity or a series of linked challenges with clear real-world contexts.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Discovery Day projects are typically completed by pupils aged 10-11 at Primary level. These engaging and inspiring STEM projects are perfect for enrichment days, or similar settings, giving students the opportunity to behave like real scientists.
Students work collaboratively on a 5-hour project or challenge in self-managed groups. They record and reflect on their research and communicate their findings through a group presentation.
Students will complete either a single activity or a series of linked challenges with clear real-world contexts.
Each project has a link to a real-life problem or investigation, giving them a powerful relevance to students’ lives.
Discovery Day packs include guidance for students, a suggested timetable and materials for you to use, and some optional activities to kick off the day.
Each project is designed to take 5 hours of student time. The project promotes a broad range of skills including:
problem solving
decision making
research
communication
reporting
creativity
Cost
Free to use and download from the CREST online resource library.
Pupils who complete the project can earn a Discovery CREST Award, receiving a certificate to celebrate their achievement! Some schools are eligible for funded Awards through grants or voucher codes. All other UK schools can receive theirs for a small cost, from £3 per pupil.
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Curriculum links
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- England primary science curriculum: Animals, including humans
- Scotland primary science curriculum: Sciences
- Northern Ireland primary science curriculum: Science and technology
- Wales primary science curriculum : The world around us
- Engineering
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Physics: Electricity
- Technology & design - Manufacturing
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Technology & design - Design
- Technology & design - Control
- Group size
- Small groups, Whole class
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Whole day
- Cost
- Free
- Location
- Online
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
