Overview

What is CREST?

CSIRO CREST Awards program:

• is open to all primary and secondary students
• covers both science and technology areas of the curriculum
• is non-competitive
• encourages success and the development of skills and processes
• allows students to pursue a topic of interest to them
• is open-ended.

CREativity in Science and Technology (CREST) students undertake real-life open-ended science and technology research projects which involve three elements:

• creativity
• perseverance and
• application.

CREST enables students to develop an appreciation of science and technology research and can inspire students to take up further studies in science and engineering. More than 6 000 Australian students achieve CSIRO CREST Awards each year.

The projects are offered at different levels and provide challenges for all abilities and at both primary and secondary school.

At higher levels of the program links are made with industry or community workers for students to gain a new understanding of the role of science and engineering in the community.

Students who complete a CREST project are rewarded with a certificate and at some levels a medallion from CSIRO.

Teachers have an integral role in the CREST program as facilitators, coaches, consultants, mentors and assessors. CREST provides teachers with a structured, hands-on approach to teaching science and technology and provides both teachers and students with extensive support material and one-on-one assistance through the National CREST Office.

The benefits of CREST

Benefits for students include:

• motivating and providing enjoyment
• increasing knowledge and understanding of science and technology
• developing essential practical skills
• providing commitment and ownership
• linking school with the world of work
• involving adults other than teachers
• securing a tangible record of achievement
• developing skills sought by industry as outlined by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Benefits for teachers include:

• motivating all students
• adding depth to the curriculum, through a structured, coherent problem-solving process
• offering a national and regional network for support and development
• providing recognition for the efforts of students, teachers and schools
• developing skills sought by industry in students
• incorporating the process outcomes of Science and Technology curricula into the teaching program.

Benefits for industry and the community include:

• linking the school curriculum to industry and the community
• raising awareness of the importance of science and technology in business
• providing input from industry into the education of young people
• alerting future employers to the wealth of talent available in today's schools.