We propose a novel approach to introducing hypothesis testing into the biology
curriculum. Instead of telling students the hypothesis and what kind of data to collect
followed by a rigid recipe of testing the hypothesis with a given test statistic, we ask
students to develop a hypothesis and a mathematical model that describes the null
hypothesis. Simulation of the model under the null hypothesis allows students to compare
their experimental data to what they would expect under the null hypothesis, thus leading
to a much more intuitive understanding of hypothesis testing. This approach has been
tested both in the classroom and in faculty workshops, and we provide some suggestions for
implementations based on our experiences.