 How do ecologists conduct scientific research? Students in this course will find out firsthand. We'll explore freshwater food chains and predator-prey interactions involving algae, snails, daphnia, and fish, and learn about scientific research methods from developing a hypothesis to designing an experiment to analyzing and interpreting data. Students will then work in groups to design and conduct their own lab experiments on predation and freshwater food chains. The course will conclude with a research symposium in which students will communicate their research findings to their families and the NCSSM community. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and conduct your own scientific research project from start to finish, then this is the course for you.