Abstract
This paper outlines some initial findings from research on senior secondary Biology students carrying out open investigations. The study focuses on a group of 98 Form 6 (year 11) students in a large urban co-educational school. Initial findings indicate a mismatch between the students' declared confidence of their ability to plan open investigations in Biology and their demonstrated competence. Other factors germane to the introduction of problem-solving activities of an open nature into senior Biology programmes are discussed as are the implications of these for further research and classroom practice.