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CREST Star early years

A collection of engaging STEM challenges that encourage and support young children to think about the Earth and beyond.

CREST Star early years

Developed in partnership between the British Science Association and The Ogden Trust, this collection of engaging, hands-on projects allow young children to explore and ask questions about their world, helping them to develop a love of science from an early age.

The 8 activities introduce children to the Earth and the Moon, encouraging them to think about the differences between them and to ask questions about the night sky.

The challenges include opportunities to explore how to grow food on Earth and on the Moon, how to land on the Moon, how to block out light and what it’s like to be an astronaut.

Each activity is designed to be used in the classroom, takes 45-60 minutes to complete and involves hands-on investigation, decision making and group discussion. They come with a Powerpoint deck to serve as visual aids for young learners. 

Cost

The resources are free to use and download from the CREST online library. 

Students who complete the eight activities can earn a CREST Star 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 £1 per pupil.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Develop engineering employability skills

Topics

  • Plants
  • Animals including humans
  • Materials
  • Light
  • Earth and space
  • Forces
  • Computing
  • Structures

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

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.

Good for a career in...

  • Aircraft
  • Construction
  • Design
  • Environment
  • Food
  • Space
  • Sport
What the teachers say

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