Recognizing a growing trend to involve more students in research projects earlier in their academic pursuits - not only in physics, but in academia in general - this first-year physics laboratory manual is geared toward inspiring student interest in pursuing research, providing students with the opportunity to gain research experience during their first year of physics, and preparing students for prospective undergraduate research projects, whether it be in physics or another discipline. An optional research project is built into the curriculum such that students will submit various components of their research projects throughout the semester so that by the end of the semester the project is complete, thereby removing the burden of an overwhelming assignment due at the end of the semester. Brief descriptions of numerous computer-based research projects are provided. The lab write-ups also intend to prepare students for independent research.