Elicit non-trivial dialogue from students. Guide students to reflection and analysis of the experience. Encourage students to share their perceptions and beliefs. Summarize and review similarities and differences.

Students write a reflection on the experience of seeing their own cells.

Objective: To have the students reflect on the experience of seeing some of their own cheek cells; to have them realize that in that dark, purple, central spot are all the directions for making them uniquely themselves.

Activity: Students are given the opportunity to reflect on a series of guiding questions, first independently and then as a class. Sample questions would include: What did the cells look like? Were they all exactly the same? How big are your cells? Do you think all your body cells look alike? What are some special types of body cells you know about? Did you see anything besides your cheek cells on the slide? Do you think bacteria are cells? Why is it appropriate to define a cell as a building block? Does each person have a structure in common? How are we the same? How are we different?

Assessment: Quality and appropriateness of student answers.