Projects from two classes were
scrutinized for qualities that indicated
science task competence. Written reports
and diaries of fifteen student pairs were
further analyzed and from those, eight
students were chosen for in-depth case
studies and pair interviews. Open-ended
investigative work initiated by students'
interests seems promising in providing
motivation for engaging in previously
avoided science activities. This approach
also seems to encourage deep understanding
and autonomous learning behavior through
ownership of the problem and more active
participation through internal locus of
control.