Resources by British Science Association

Machines of the future

The machines of the future pack outlines a project challenging students working in teams to design a household product that uses machine learning.  Activities encourage students to research current technology, develop and plan the concept for their product, reflect on previous knowledge and present their work.

Make your own toothpaste and compare it with other brands

A Silver CREST Award activity which focuses  on students making toothpaste and modifying ingredients.  Students review flavouring and consider design aspects.

Making an impact? Project based learning through the CREST Awards

A Powerpoint from the May 2016 Research Conference which describes how the Crest Awards scheme has made an impact on research-led learning.

Message Makers

Aimed at primary level, this activity pack contains a range of different activities based on the theme of sound and communication. Designed for use in class or within a science week or club, the activities promote investigative work and communication skills and include: investigating pitch, sending messages via...

Module 1: Getting Started With STEM Inquiry Work

This module introduces the STEM Projects Toolkit, its background and its goals. A schematic diagram shows the contents of the resource pack, showing the pathways which teachers and technicians can use to access information and enrich lessons.

The resource builds on the successes of the CREST Awards, a formal...

Module 2: Models of Student-centred Inquiry

This module, from the STEM Projects Toolkit, considers the use of the inquiry-based approach in everyday teaching of STEM subjects, encouraging students to use initiative and make independent decisions. The resource compares different types of Inquiry Based Learning and includes approaches for differentiation and...

Module 3: Moving From Teacher-led to Student-led Lessons and Projects

This module of the STEM Projects Toolkit considers how to move from traditional teacher-led individual lessons to student-designed and student-led inquiry based lessons and projects. The emphasis is on guiding students and encouraging them to explore and research topics, actively participate in the learning process...

Module 4: Characteristics of Good Project Work

This module of the STEM Projects Toolkit explains what a good project provides for students, encouraging them to develop independent learning skills and reflective practice. This part of the toolkit provides the first practical steps for teachers and technicians in conceiving and developing a STEM project.

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Module 5: From the Classroom to the STEM Fair

Module 5 of the STEM Projects Toolkit explains the steps that can be taken between students carrying out projects in their own classes and presenting a project at a STEM competition or fair. Although this can be a daunting prospect, it can give students a positive experience of presenting themselves and their work...

Module 6: Aiming Higher

Module 6 of the STEM Projects Toolkit gives information on the many opportunities that students can take to present their projects in STEM competitions and fairs. The resource describes the practical steps to be taken to make a project ready for a competition or fair, including describing what the judges would be...