The British Science Association (CREativity in Science and Technology) Award Scheme
Aim
To motivate and build confidence in students and encourage them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.
Description
The British Science Association CREST is a nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in the fields of science and technology. Aimed at students aged 11 -19, The British Science Association CREST awards encourage students to develop their scientific curiosity, problem-solving and communication skills. Through a mentoring system, the scheme facilitates links between schools and industry or higher education. It enables students of all abilities to explore real scientific, engineering and technological problems for themselves and promotes work-related learning. By recognising and accrediting students’ achievements, The British Science Association CREST awards help young people realise their potential and develop motivation and confidence.
The British Science Association CREST awards are available in Science or Technology at three levels:
BRONZE: 10 hours of project work Typically for ages 11-14
SILVER: 40 hours of project work Typically for ages 14 -16 Links with industry encouraged
GOLD: 100 hours of project work Typically for students aged 16+
Students linked with mentor from industry or higher education Can accredit Nuffield Bursary placements and Engineering Education Scheme (EES) project work Students who have completed The British Science Association CREST project work have the opportunity to display their work at Regional Finals. Outstanding projects are selected for the prestigious national The British Science Association CREST Science Fair.
Activity Mapping
National Curriculum Science - Sc1
D & T - 1, 2, 4, 5
Work related Learning - 1,6,7,9
Other benefits to the school
ECM - 3, 4, 5
SEF - 1b, 4e, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a
Other - Links with HE and industry
Examples of past projects
Can herbal remedies work as well as antibiotics?
With bacteria becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, students looked at whether herbal remedies could be used as a replacement.
Bury foam or build a home: looking for ways to recycle polyolefins currently land filled.
Students looked at waste foam produced by a local factory and ways of recycling it.
Costs
Price per student:
Bronze: £4.00
Silver: £8.00
Gold: £15.00
Further Information
For more information or to register a place please contact STEM Sussex
Case Studies
Case Study 02: CREST Awards Through STEM-Based Work Experience
Hundreds of exciting new project ideas can be seen at: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/ccaf/CREST/index.htm
