What is CREST Investigators?

CREST Investigators is a new scheme from the BA to engage children in science and technology. This UK wide programme provides schools and other organisations with motivating science activities to run in schools and elsewhere, backed by training for club leaders. The activities count towards CREST Investigator for different awards. The scheme replaces the BA’s First and Young Investigators schemes and provides progression to the CREST Bronze Award in secondary school.

CREST Investigators has three awards: Star (usually for 5-7 year olds), SuperStar (usually for 7-11 year olds) and MegaStar (usually for 8-12 year olds). In addition, interested children are also offered the opportunity to become Young Science Ambassadors (YSAs). Star and SuperStar awards engage children with a range of activities, set in different contexts. For MegaStar award, the children undertake a series of projects, each project containing several activities.

The scheme has five guiding principles, that govern how the activities have been developed. A CREST Investigator activity offers 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.

CREST Investigators resources

The world of education has changed immeasurably since the First and Young Investigators schemes were developed and these changes are incorporated into the scheme by the resource developers, Millgate House Publishing. New subjects that are relevant to the lives of the children will be explored, from worm-charming to cleaning up a muddy mess. The favourite activities from the First and Young Investigators have been retained and updated into the new format.

The new funky style, developed by Redbiro, will appeal to all children and the activities, characters and names will all be sensitive to gender and ethnicity to reflect the diversity of children that join the scheme.

Resource packs

The BA has produced three resource packs for the scheme. Each pack contains:

     • A set of materials for children
     • A set of materials for Organisers
     • Star Logs for 30 children
     • Stickers to go in the Star Logs as rewards
     • Participation badges for 30 children

Please email susanna.wisborg@btinternet.com to be sent your information leaflet and order form for CREST Investigators. Orders should reach you within 28 days of receipt of payment.