Habits of inquiry should be nurtured as early as possible. Elementary students must be challenged to ask good questions and develop inquiring attitudes. As a science teacher, educator, professional developer, and science program reviewer, the author has often observed that the default is to use "good" science investigations from textbooks or the internet. A well-known paper towel investigation gains new life and prepares students for their middle and high school years. The author describes "the best paper towel" lesson that is designed to address inquiry as outlined by the National Science Education Standards (NRC 1996).