Although we talk about the scientific method in almost every science class we teach, students still have difficulty understanding the research process and its complexities. I created two consecutive field experiences to give students hands-on experience in field research, including collecting, analyzing and reporting data. The exercises involved competition for pollinator visitation, and the impact of visitation on seed set. These labs require minimal preparation or expense and provide valuable experience for the students. One set of student-collected data was also used for a poster presentation at a scientific meeting. Using data for "real" presentations improved student motivation and the quality of their work. Having two linked labs helped students to apply lessons learned during the first investigation and solidify their understanding of field research and the scientific method.

Key words: investigative labs, pollination ecology