Ask students to name the aspects of science class they enjoy most, and working on labs will undoubtedly be mentioned. What often won't be included, however, is writing lab reports. For many students, the process of exploration and data collection is paramount, while the explanation and analysis of findings often takes a backseat. After all, if they can "do," why "explain"? Yet teachers recognize the importance of having students express their thoughts in writing within the content area, and research agrees. To encourage critical thinking and improve scientific literacy, the author created an open-inquiry lab experience that students work on three to four times a year based on major content shifts that students explore (ecology, physics, chemistry). (Contains 2 figures and 1 resource.)