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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.

CREST Discovery

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 will work collaboratively on a 5-hour project or challenge in self-managed groups, recording and reflecting on their research and communicating 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 your 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 and promotes a broad range of skills including problem solving, decision making, research, communication, reporting and creativity.

Cost

Free to use and download from the CREST online resource library.

Students who complete the activity can earn a CREST Discovery Award, receiving a certificate to celebrate their achievement! Schools receiving Engage grants or Kick Start grants can get their CREST Awards for free, all other UK schools can receive theirs for a small cost, from £3 per pupil.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • 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

Subjects and topics

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing
    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Design, art and fashion
    • Electronics, robotics and programming
    • Energy and environment
    • Entertainment, sound and lighting
    • General engineering
    • Humanitarian aid
    • Materials, products and manufacturing
    • Medicine and healthcare
    • Structures, construction and civil engineering

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:

  • Learning from career and labour market information
  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers

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:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.

  • Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.

  • Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

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Careers resources