Research-like experiences range from relatively "canned" labs that are highly controlled by the instructor (such as those described in Lord and Orkwiszewski 2006) to more individually designed projects (e.g., Switzer and Shriner 2000; Wyatt 2005). This article describes a laboratory approach that allows for many of the benefits of independent or small-group student research projects, such as allowing students to design experiments, generate and test hypotheses, conduct an experiment, and collect data. However, this approach also helps overcome some of the logistical difficulties of coordinating such "free-form" student projects when there are many students enrolled in the class and helps conquers some of the pedagogical problems of canned class projects, such as lack of student engagement in the investigative process. (Contains 1 table.)