We challenged an Aquatic Biology class to find a way to access, observe, and record aquatic habitats and organisms without causing disruption. Using off the shelf components the class was guided in the design and assembly of a remote controlled, video broadcasting, data collecting, floating vehicle based on a molded goose decoy. GOOSE-CAM or Guided Object Observatory for Scientific Experiments-Camera Afloat Module is now used to observe, count, and record aquatic invertebrates, fish, and plants. Recent additions have expanded GOOSE-CAM to record temperature, light (turbidity), and depth. The project fulfilled the dual educational goals of (1) integrating student biological knowledge with engineering, physics, and chemistry and (2) providing a context in which students develop problem-solving skills. The project required active participation, research, teamwork, and application learning in a realistic context to be able to support the collection of ecological data. With a bit of imagination, the concept could be adapted to other courses and environments.