Being able to contextualise and solve complex problems is a highly valued skill in STEM graduates--a skill which we strive to nurture in our students. Since its introduction into undergraduate teaching, laboratory teaching has been used to consolidate students conceptual understanding, develop their practical skills and inculcate an evidence based…

Describes a theory concerning the formation of soap films which enables this technique to be applied to problems requiring the minimization of the surface area between fixed boundaries. (Author/CP)

Describes the Assessment of Performance Unit (APU) Science project. Discusses the findings including perceptions of problems, procedural understanding, control of variables, and measurement strategies. Suggests a change from traditional learning strategies to more student-centered ones. (YP)