When the nature of science (NOS) is reinforced, middle school students will be able to appreciate scientific inquiry processes and communication, as outlined in the National Science Education Standards (NRC 1996). To this end, the authors developed a mummy-making and dissection activity to help sixth- and seventh-grade students learn more about anthropological research and reinforce NOS. Students become scientists who ask questions, collect data in a methodical and objective manner, make inferences, and form conclusions that are supported with evidence. In addition to reinforcing the foundations of scientific inquiry, this interactive activity is recommended by the authors because it not only engages students in learning, it integrates social studies (geography) standards with science standards and promotes the use of writing genres that are important for scientific studies. (Contains 4 figures and lists 5 resources and 7 web sites.)