Background/Question/Methods Photosynthesis is central to life on Earth. The subject is taught at varying levels of complexity throughout the high school and college curriculum. A thorough understanding of the underlying principles of photosynthesis allows students to apply learned concepts to fields ranging from physiology to ecology to environmental biology. What is the best way for students to internalize the major concepts of such a fundamental process? To gain insight into this question I have experimented with two different teaching approaches: either classroom lecture coupled with structured laboratory exercises, or classroom instruction plus independent research projects. As a case study of the use of modern instrumentation in undergraduate education I will discuss three student investigations about the effects of polyploidization in higher plants on photosynthetic activity. I will compare student achievement and productivity in a research setting using modern instrumentation with that in a conventional lab setting using highly structured lab exercises. Results/Conclusions My findings from four years of observations suggest that students who are given access to research grade equipment and asked to design and conduct experiments and to communicate their results take greater ownership and pride in their projects. The quality of their written work is markedly increased, and the students' ability to apply major concepts to new situations on exams is improved. Maybe most importantly, students become more engaged and excited about the scientific process and gain appreciation for conducting original research.