CREST: A Framework for Creative STEM Project work. 13/November/2014 International Education Conference on Making Science Attractive in Schools CREST Awards are supported by:

About the British Science Association The British Science Association (formerly known as the BA, established in 1831). Our vision is a world where science is seen as a fundamental part of our culture and society. Our mission is to support, grow and diversify the community of people who are interested and involved in science. We will give them a platform to access and enjoy science and strengthen their influence over science’s direction and place in society.

CREST is a UK Award scheme recognising success, building skills and demonstrating personal achievement in STEM project work (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). They are recognised for use in UCAS personal statements They can lead onto opportunities such as competitions, events etc. What are the CREST Awards? “It has boosted my confidence and shown me I have more skills than what I thought, if I stepped out of my comfort zone.” CREST Awardee, 2011

CREST is the British Science Association’s flagship programme for year olds - The scheme aims to: o Give young people a framework to develop passion for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through project work o Help young people discover what it’s like to work on STEM-based problems in industry and academia o Develop aspiration to study and work in STEM-based fields – 42 CREST Local Coordinators across the UK – Approx 30,000 CREST Awards each year CREST flyer from 1987 What are the CREST Awards?

CREST Discovery Award Focus on fun, teamwork and transferable skills Introduction to creative and independent learning Approx. 5 hours work ~11-14yr olds Introductory CREST Levels CREST Bronze Award Emphasis on the project process Develops enquiry, problem solving and communication skills. Approx. 10 hours work ~11-14yr olds

CREST Discovery Award There are six assessment objectives: Self-management Team-working Problem-solving Research Communication Reflective practice

CREST Discovery Award Teacher comments from the pilots: “Really encouraged good skills development. Love to do another." "Brilliant day, fantastic engagement from the pupils and I felt all pupils really enjoyed it and took something from it."

CREST Silver Award Approx 30 hours plus Mentor (scientist or engineer) preferred CREST Gold Award 70 plus hours Mentor essential Extended project CREST Advanced levels All levels emphasise creativity and independent learning through the project process

Part 2: CREST Criteria

Part 2: CREST Criteria

How does CREST Work? 42 local coordinators Link Schemes and Partners Head Office

CREST (11-19 years old) Can run in school time, clubs, placements or through other schemes – flexible and creative Students register for the scheme through their teacher and record their project on a CREST Profile Form. Teacher / mentor is in contact with the Local Coordinator Students work towards Bronze, Silver or Gold Levels Projects assessed by CREST Local Coordinators before being certified Students receive certificate in the post How does CREST Work?

Benefits for students  Personally relevant, reflective learning  Enriching the experience of the curriculum  Creative thinking  Endorsed by university admissions for use in personal statements  Can be used in Skills section towards Duke of Edinburgh Award “It made the subjects I study much more fascinating and inspiring.” CREST Awardee, 2011

Benefits for teachers  Provides opportunities to display expertise  Develops skills-set  Builds confidence in problem-solving based teaching  Raises the profile of the department. “Doing CREST generated additional equipment for the science department, resources, feel good factor and ideas for further CREST activities.” CREST Teacher

Research and evaluation? External Evaluation – University of Liverpool, 2007: Students at all levels felt they had developed organisational and practical science skills and gained a clearer idea of ‘what it’s like to work in SET’ and ‘how SET fits in with society’. oot/CREST/CRESTfinalevaluationreport.pdf “It’s helped the self-esteem for some low achievers for whom it is their major achievement in school.” CREST Teacher

Research and evaluation CREST Expansion Evaluation 2011: Three-quarters of participating students rated CREST as “good or very good ‟ and “worthwhile or very worthwhile ‟. Its strong point was that it put them in touch with real world STEM, and allowed them to develop independent personal skills, such as team work and creativity. About half the CREST student cohort reported a positive shift in attitudes toward STEM and STEM careers as a result of participation in CREST. Many of those whose attitudes did not change were already positive about STEM.

Research and evaluation “It was interesting because I never knew what science was before. It made me feel differently about science” CREST student “It’s not dumbed down, like the lessons. You’re given the challenge and you’ve got to find the solution to it” CREST student

Selection of Research/Evaluation reports: Delivering CREST to New Audiences - Interim Report at the end of Year One (May 2010) CREST Local Coordinators focus groups (January 2010) Pre-CREST school visits (April 2010) Rejecter schools research (April 2010) CREST sales analysis (May 2010) CREST Sustainability report (September 2010) Head Teachers market research (October 2010) HE Admissions Tutors market research (May 2010) What has been the impact on schools, teachers and students? (2011) See a selection on the British Science Association’s Collective Memory website

1. Have you ever wondered why the controls on a games console are set out the way they are? design your own ultimate console control layout; you could either carry out market research to try to design a controller for a specific group of people 2. Have you ever wondered how long packaging keeps your pizza warm? research into pizza boxes and other fast-food packaging. Find out what materials are used, and why (this may include research into thermal properties of materials) 4. Have you ever wondered how many different types of space mission there have been? design a Timeline, illustrating the major dates in space exploration and the impact on our lives of their findings 5. Have you ever wondered what effect pollutants have when they get into our streams and rivers? investigate the effect of polluting chemicals, like detergents, fertilizers or weed killers on the growth of a river water plant Project ideas

Examples “I was thrilled to be given my own project, where I would attempt to discover whether there is enough food for sand eels in the Firth of Forth. “ Erin Warner, a 6th year pupil from South Uist

National Science + Engineering Competition Rebecca Simpson: UK Young Engineer of the Year 2014: The judges were wowed by Rebecca's arcade game that encourages young people to revise science, technology, engineering and maths. Ameeta and Aneeta Kumar: UK Young Scientist of the Year with their project on developing an early diagnostic tool for cancer.

Find out more CREST website: British Science Association Head Office: