The laboratory portions of the BIOL 1511 and 1521 courses are designed as research service-learning labs that integrate relevant community service with academic coursework to enhance learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. In partnership with the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (BIOL 1511) and the Piedmont Park Conservancy (BIOL 1521), students conduct research that benefits learning in biology and the greater Atlanta community. Students work in teams with the support of the entire class to brainstorm and critique ideas to design a semester-long research project exploring a question related to topics such as invasive species within Mason Mill Park. Community partners use the data for long-term ecological monitoring and other initiatives.