In the spring of 2015, I introduced a new capstone project that incorporates student-directed curriculum. While students acquire skills in research and communication, they direct the content of their learning. The capstone project requires students to submit an essay illustrating a principle of evolution. The assignment is aptly named "Evolutionary GEM #16." The inspiration for this new assignment has its beginnings in January 2009, also known in biological circles as "Darwin's Year." The pre-eminent scientific journal, Nature, published an open-access document titled "15 Evolutionary Gems." The editors sought to bring to life the "breadth, depth, and power of evolutionary thinking." Led by their own passions and curiosity, my students move beyond listening to lectures and learning about biology; they embrace fully the opportunity to be a biologist. I would like to share my experience guiding more than three thousand students as they apply their own creativity, passion, and curiosity in a safe and co-operative classroom culture.