A 2‐semester‐hour experimental course utilizing the SUNY Oneonta 0.5‐MeV Van de Graaff accelerator has been offered for three consecutive years. The most important course requirement is completion of six or seven laboratory projects including complete written reports. Theory is emphasized only to the extent that it is needed to complete and understand the projects. Student responses on course evaluation forms together with the instructor’s evaluation of the course indicate that it has been useful and valuable for nearly all students who have completed it.