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
These engaging and inspiring STEM projects are perfect for enrichment days, or similar settings, giving students aged 11-14 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. They projects promote 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.
Students 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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- Biology
- Chemistry
- Technology/computing
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Design and technology
- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Design thinking and engineering
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Technology & design - Design
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Control
- Technology & design - Manufacturing
- 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
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 2 - Learning from career and labour market information
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
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
