A major challenge in teaching any college level general genetics course including a laboratory component is having the students actively understand the research part of an experiment as well as develop the necessary laboratory skills. This laboratory experience furthers the students' knowledge of genetics while improving their laboratory skills. It provides the students with experience in the design and implementation of their own experiments. This inquiry-based approach will provide them an opportunity for a deeper appreciation of how scientists perform their investigations. The students were given four weeks to induce mutations into Paramecium that will alter their physical and/or behavioral traits. (Contains 10 figures and 1 table.)