CREST Star Investigators is a UK- wide award scheme that enables children to solve problems through practical investigation. The activities focus on thinking about, talking about and doing science. They are designed to be used primarily outside of class time (e.g in a science club) though some are suitable for use in the classroom.
CREST Star Investigators has three awards: STAR, SUPERSTAR and MEGASTAR. In addition, interested children are also offered the opportunity to become Young Science Ambassadors (YSAs).
In STAR activities, children (usually for 5 - 7 years olds) discuss, solve problems and share experiences. This award will normally take about eight weeks to complete. There are twelve activities in the resource pack, and children are expected to complete eight to gain their award.
In SUPERSTAR activities children (usually for 7 -11 year olds) work 
independently, discuss ideas and how to test them, solve simple problems and decide how to share results. This award will normally take about twelve weeks to complete., There are eighteen activities in the resource pack. Children are expected to complete twelve in order to gain their award.
When the children reach MEGASTAR, they now work on a series of projects rather than individual activities, The projects contain suggestions, usually for three different activities around the theme. They also contain starting points for other related activities. In MEGASTAR projects children (usually for 8 - 12 year olds) research and think about scientific problems, make independent decisions about materials and procedures, record and interpret results, organise their work and communicate ideas. Each project will normally take about five hours to complete. There are four projects in the resource pack. Children must complete three projects in order to gain their award.
There is also the opportunity to become a Young Science Ambassador (usually for children aged between 9 and 12 years old). This exciting role, which supports and promotes science within the school and community, enables children to use the skills they have developed during the MEGASTAR award.
To become a YSA, children must first complete 2 MEGASTAR projects plus a Springboard project. This introduces them to the concept of YSA through the characters Orion and Andromeda. On completing these three projects they receive their MEGASTAR award, and are also entitled to become Young Science Ambassadors. As YSAs children can carry out any activities that fit the role of supporting and promoting science in the school and community. Within the MEGASTAR resource pack is a set of YSA cards that contain suggestion, hints and tips for the Ambassadors. The CREST Star Investigators website also has plenty of advice just for these special scientists.