Students love field trips, and why shouldn't they? Field trips provide a break from the routine of the school day and an opportunity to learn from the world outside the classroom. Science and natural history museums are popular field-trip destinations, filled with a dizzying array of displays, and hands-on learning opportunities. The author developed a museum field trip into a short-term, active research project assignment. This approach has transformed the field trip from a casual museum visit into a focused and productive learning experience. The museum research project has confirmed for the author that young adolescents can develop focused research questions, make meaning from a variety of sources, and contribute their learning in a collaborative classroom. As students prepare for their trip and synthesize their learning afterward, they are doing some of their most impressive and sophisticated work. (Contains 2 figures and 3 online resources.)