Little stars, big curiosity! Unboxing accessible CREST science for EYFS/KS1

This year the BSA have worked with EYFS, KS1 and SEND settings to develop and pilot a CREST Star kit box aimed at maximising children's learning and skills whilst minimising teacher workload. Come and try out the activities, and find out how you can get your hands on a funded box! CREST Star is a trusted and well evaluated STEM education program that encourages children aged 3-7 to develop their problem-solving skills through hands-on, science investigations. It aims to make science accessible and engaging for young learners, regardless of their background or prior experience. The program aligns with the UK curriculum, supporting the development of key scientific skills and fostering a lifelong love of learning. This session addresses the need for practical, easy-to-implement science resources in early years education, recognizing the time constraints and lack of resources many teachers face in their schools. This session aims to: > Introduce participants to the CREST Star program and its benefits for EYFS and KS1 learners. > Familiarize participants with the new CREST Star activity kit box and its contents. > Provide hands-on experience with CREST Star activities. > Share findings from the pilot phase, highlighting the impact on teachers and children. > Equip teachers with practical strategies and resources to implement CREST Star activities in their classrooms. > Promote the use of inquiry-based learning and the development of scientific skills in early years education. From 'unboxing' the kit, to trying out practical activities and hearing from teachers involved in the pilot, this session will be packed with fun and ideas for you to take back to your classroom. We also want to think beyond the box! We'll explore ideas for classroom-based activities that you can do with minimal resources, all linked to the CREST Star. This is about empowering you to extend scientific learning beyond the structured activities and create a continuous culture of inquiry in your classrooms. We’ll chat about how to create a science-rich environment, encourage children's questions, and support their investigations using everyday, inexpensive materials. And, of course, we want to share what happened when we trialled these boxes. We'll be sharing data and real-life stories from teachers and children who took part in the pilot. By the end of this session, participants will: > Have a comprehensive understanding of the CREST Star program and its value in early years science education. > Be familiar with the CREST Star activity kit box and its contents. > Gain practical experience in delivering CREST Star activities. > Be informed about the positive impact of the CREST Star program on teachers and children, based on pilot study data. > Be equipped with strategies and resources to implement engaging and effective science activities in their classrooms. > Feel confident in their ability to foster a love of science and develop essential scientific skills in their young learners. Ultimately, this session is about giving you the knowledge, resources, and confidence to bring engaging and effective science activities into your classrooms. By showing you what's in the CREST Star activity kit box and sharing practical ideas, we hope to empower you to spark a real passion for science in your youngest learners and give them a fantastic start in their scientific journey.