This column provides how-to strategies and practical advice for the science teacher. In this month’s issue the author describes how he has modified his toy blocks and cubes lessons to introduce students to the nature of scientific research to have them practice investigative skills such as observations and inferences. His lessons now integrate all three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards and increase assessment and extension opportunities. Although the emphasis for this activity is on middle school Earth science, teachers could adjust the strategies to teach other content in different contexts.