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 CREST Star Investigators has three
awards: Star, SuperStar and
MegaStar. In addition, interested children are
also offered the opportunity to become Young Science Ambassadors
(YSAs).
In Star activities, children (usually
for 5-7 year olds) discuss, solve problems and share
experiences. This award will normally take about 8 weeks to
complete.
There are 12 activities in the resource pack, and children are
expected to complete 8 to gain their award.
In SuperStar, activities
children (usually for 7-11 year olds) work independently,
discuss ideas and how to test them, solve simple problems and
decide how to share results. This award will normally take about 12
weeks to complete.
There are 15 activities in the resource pack (3 more launch
in January 2008). Children are expected to complete 12 in order to
gain their award.
When the children reach MegaStar, they now work
on a series of projects, rather than individual activities. The
projects contain suggestions for (usually) three different
activities around the theme. They also contain starting points for
other related activities.
In MegaStar projects,
children(usually for 8-12 year olds) research and think about
scientific problems, make independent decisions about materials and
procedures, record and interpret results, organise their work and
communicate ideas. Each project will normally take
about 5 hours to complete.
There are 3 projects in the resource pack (1 more will launch in
January, and others are likely to follow). Children must complete 3
projects in order to gain their award.
There is also the opportunity to become a Young Science
Ambassador (usually for children aged between 9 and 12
years old).
This exciting role, which supports and promotes science within
the school and community, enables children to use the skills
they have developed during the MegaStar award.
To become a YSA, children must first complete
2 MegaStar projects plus a
Springboard project. This introduces them to the concept
of YSA through the characters Orion and
Andromeda. On completing these 3 projects, they receive their
MegaStar award, and are also entitled to
become Young Science Ambassadors.
As YSAs, children can carry out any activities
that fit the role of supporting and promoting science in the
school and community. Within the MegaStar resource
pack is a set of YSA cards that contain
suggestions, hints and tips for the Ambassadors.
The CREST Star Investigators website also has plenty of advice
just for these special scientists.
The CREST Star
Investigators scheme has five guiding principles. Each
activity offers the children the opportunity to:
- solve a relevant, science-based problem, set within a
context
- work in pairs or small groups, independently of adults
- take part in practical, hands-on science activities
- think and talk about science, during the activity and when
sharing their ideas
- share their ideas using a variety of media.
The activities develop the children's scientific enquiry skills
in an enjoyable context with links to the curriculum where
appropriate.
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.
To download a resource pack order form click
here.
To download a CREST* Awards order form click
here.
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