There is a collective need to increase the use of inquiry-based instruction at the college level. This paper provides of an example of how inquiry was successfully used in the laboratory component of an undergraduate course in microbial ecology. Students were offered a collection of field and laboratory methods to choose from, and they developed a research question that they tested through experimentation. Assessment was accomplished by evaluating authentic scientific meeting style presentations and a lab report in manuscript format. Students enjoyed the inquiry-based format, and the instructors found the experience to be valuable. An example such as this one hopefully will encourage more college faculty to use the inquiry method of instruction in their courses. (Contains 3 tables.)