This study aimed to examine the effects of a research-based SSI program on fostering students' understanding of issues and their willingness to act. Twenty-five middle school students voluntarily participated in the program on the issue of artificial food additives over 6 months. The data were collected by means of interviews with the students, field notes, and students' artifacts such as SSI maps and journals. Results indicated that students' research experiences helped them widen their understanding of the issues and feel more connectedness to the issue and motivated to explore the hidden nature of the issue as they conducted their research. They found various stakeholders in the food industry and business network and discovered how individual stakeholders would be affected within the network. They also became aware of the inequality and injustice that arose in the network. In addition, their experience of executing research increased their confidence and willingness to act for resolving contentious issues.