TABLE 2.

Comparison of the laboratory exercise to features of a constructivist activity (as described by Baviskar (4)).

Steps in Constructivist Activity	In Context of Laboratory Exercise
Eliciting prior knowledge	Open-ended assessment after completion of Part II (see Appendix 3)
Creating cognitive dissonance	Visualization of PCR results that are not predicted by ∼80% of student population
Applying new knowledge with feedback	Discussion with laboratory instructor about PCR results
Allowing student reflection on learning	Reflection questions after completion of Part III (see Appendix 4)