Evidence suggests that student engagement in the material they are studying correlates well with better learning outcomes, and instrumental analysis modules structured to reflect student interests are of wide significance. The analysis of levels of dietary (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) and undesirable (Cd and Pb) metals in commercially available and wild mushrooms forms the basis for an atomic absorption experiment. The dietary metals are routinely found at levels that are easy to detect by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and both lead and cadmium are often found at detectable levels. Students are always more satisfied when the metals they are testing are readily quantifiable, and their "discovery" of toxic metals in a familiar food is an excellent way to promote further inquiry. (Contains 1 table.)