In DV Lab, students get a taste of the joys and frustrations of making video and other media, resulting in an experience that is immersive, fun, and energizing. The class combines media production and analysis, giving students tools to become both better media makers and more critical media consumers. We use documentary video as a path to explore the worlds of science and engineering, and as a way to think about the nature of media itself and the social worlds in which it is created and viewed. By the end of the semester, the class has become a community, and we celebrate with a collective meal and the sharing of final video projects. No prior experience is required to take DV Lab, and all equipment is provided. Students enter with a wide variety of experience levels. We welcome both undergraduate and graduate students.