The CREST Star Investigators scheme has three awards, and also offers children the opportunity to become Young Science Ambassadors.
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.