Teams of students working together on research  projects is a critical design element for our program. The support provided by working and learning together has been found to both strengthen the stronger students as they assume the role of ‘explainer’ to the less comfortable students, and to reinforce the weaker students as they more readily ask questions and request support if their are learning with other students. We have found students who work in teams not only support each other, but they also hold each other accountable for being present and committing the time and focus needed to complete the project.