Discovery Award
Typical ages 10-14
Typically 5 hrs
£3 UK; £7.50 International
Discovery Awards can be completed in one day, or by doing an ongoing 5-hour project. Perfect for older primary students to expand their STEM skills and knowledge, the Awards develop communication, problem solving and teamwork skills, as well as resilience and motivation.
Choose from our wide range of exciting and engaging challenges, or use your own.
How to run
Plan
Discover free activities in our Resource Library and choose a challenge to enjoy with your pupils!
You’re also welcome to use your own activity. Don’t forget to pre-order your Discovery certificates so they’re ready in time for your event!
Challenge
Pupils complete either a single project or a series of connected challenges, all rooted in real-world STEM contexts.
Working in self-managed teams, pupils collaborate on their chosen challenge(s), documenting and reflecting on their progress using a CREST Discovery passport. They share their findings through a group presentation, showcasing both their learning and teamwork.
Apply
Create a free account on CREST application platform to order your certificates.
Complete the application, pay for the Discovery certificates and they will be delivered to your delivery address.
Achieve!
Celebrate the incredible achievement of the pupils as they earn their Discovery CREST Awards!
Share your experience with us or tag us in your posts. Let's spread the joy and inspire others with the children's success!
Free Discovery resources
- This Discovery challenge asks students to work in teams to design a household product that uses machine learning, exploring Artificial Intelligence and its applications.#Discovery#MachineLearning#AI#Home
- Students should complete a CREST Discovery Passport at the end of their five-hour Discovery challenge. The Passport will prompt them to reflect on their learning and think about the skills they have developed within t...#Discovery#Passport#Reflection#Skills
- This handy guide gives you all the key information you need to run a successful Discovery Award with your students. Once you have read the guide you are ready to choose a project, download the resources and run your D...#Discovery#Teacher#Guide
Fees and funding
Why run Discovery Days?
We ran a funded programme of CREST Discovery Awards with schools across the UK, including ‘train the trainer’ training, and teacher training run by our regional partners to support and up-skill teachers to run Discovery Days themselves. For many students, particularly those with limited science capital, Discovery Days help by:
STEM confidence
Increasing confidence when engaging with STEM subjects and
presenting science work to their fellow students
Value of practical work
Understanding that there is not necessarily a correct outcome to practical work, and valuing practical work as a learning experience
Independence and resilience
Developing independence and resilience as well as increasing motivation and pride in their work
Extended investigation
Extending investigation beyond a single lesson to effectively sequence and retrieve procedural knowledge
Communication skills
Developing communications skills and building relationships with other students and staff
Research appreciation
Increasing young people's appreciation of the role of research
STEM confidence
Increasing confidence when engaging with STEM subjects and
presenting science work to their fellow studentsValue of practical work
Understanding that there is not necessarily a correct outcome to practical work, and valuing practical work as a learning experience
Independence and resilience
Developing independence and resilience as well as increasing motivation and pride in their work
Extended investigation
Extending investigation beyond a single lesson to effectively sequence and retrieve procedural knowledge
Communication skills
Developing communications skills and building relationships with other students and staff
Research appreciation
Increasing young people's appreciation of the role of research
Hear from our community
"Because of the success of the Discovery Day, I have decided to try to create links with local businesses to see if they can come into school and talk to the students about sustainability and STEM career opportunities … the aspirations of children in this area are not very high with children just doing what their parents do rather than looking at other opportunities in the wider world."
"The [Machines of the Future] resources were fantastic and linked to real world examples such as: Netflix, Alexa and Siri to put the children’s learning into context. In addition to this, the children loved testing out the apps Google Quick draw and Giorgio Cam to see how they teach themselves."
"I think it brings a new sense of curiosity and discovery to students who have not been afforded the chance to really engage in science."
Apply for a Discovery Award
Are you ready to engage your primary or secondary learners with STEM through an exciting Discovery challenge? Let the Discovery Award empower them to take the lead - building their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, child-led learning.
Everything you need to run the challenge is ready to go - just choose your moment and dive in! Once your learners complete their challenge, celebrate their success with official Discovery certificates. Pre-order now or apply after your challenge day!
Other CREST Awards
Typical ages 3-7
6 x 1 hour challenges
£1 UK; £5 International
Star Award
Perfect for early years or younger primary children who are beginning their STEM journey. Our short, hands-on Star activities are designed to spark curiosity and encourage all children to explore the world around them in a fun and engaging way.
Explore Star Award
Typical ages 7-11
6 x 1 hour challenges
£1 UK; £5 International
SuperStar Award
Most suitable for upper primary pupils aged 7-11 who are looking for a challenge.
Explore SuperStar Award
Typical ages 11+
Typically 10 hrs
£6 UK; £12.50 International
Bronze Award
An introduction to STEM project work for students working individually or in teams. Bronze Awards introduce students to project work empowering them to work like real scientists. Students choose their own topic and methodologies, giving them complete freedom over their work.
Explore Bronze Award
Typical ages 14+
Typically 30 hrs to complete
£15 UK; £25 International
Silver Award
Challenge your students to take ownership of a STEM project in teams or individually. Silver Awards are designed to stretch students and enrich their STEM studies. Whether investigating their own project idea or using one of our free resource prompts, students plan and direct their own project, gaining in-depth experience of the scientific method or engineering design process.
Explore Silver Award
Typical ages 16+
Typically 70 hrs to complete
£30 UK; £40 International
Gold Award
Awaken your students’ potential with a long-term, open-ended project ideal for enhancing their UCAS applications. Gold Awards are longer projects that immerse students in real research. At this level, we recommend students work with a mentor from their chosen STEM field of study.
Explore Gold Award
We are here to help
Find answers to your questions quickly and easily with our Help Centre Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Whether you're just getting started with CREST Awards or looking for specific details on projects, resources, or submission guidelines, our comprehensive FAQs has you covered.
