A personalized course in thermodynamics is described which organizes learning about moderately difficult projects designed to bring a sense of continuity and relevance to student studies. The approach minimizes formal lecturing and tries to encourage discovery and enjoyment in learning. Student lecturing, laboratory visits, and demonstrations, along with class discussions of projects, are used as a replacement for most, but not all, formal classroom lecturing. Student comments are used as a basis for evaluating the approach.