This activity is a case study that draws from the work of Yoshiura et al (2006), where a single base substitution in the ABCC11 gene can result in phenotypic change in earwax consistency. A New York Times article discussing this study is used as the main reading of this activity, as it discusses the case without using key terminology and without specifically explaining the genetics behind the observed differences observed between individuals. This affords instructors the opportunity to challenge students with identifying the genetic concepts that explain the observed earwax differences that are discussed in the article. The application of this case study was originally published in Van Hoewyk, D. 2012. Using a Case Study Article on Earwax to Enhance Understanding and Interest in Genetics. Journal of College Science Teaching, 41(6): 62-64.