It's also very helpful if students have done some microscope work, and especially have had a chance to see some live amoebas. At least, we will take a look at how easy it is to produce some of the structural and behavioral elements of a living cell, using very simple materials, something analogous to the likely conditions on the early pre-life earth. See the list of resources for more recent studies. Prepare the mixes and lab set-ups the day before the lab. It's also helpful for students to read over the purposes, prep and procedure for the lab the night before doing it.
Students can work in pairs, sharing much of the equipment.
It is helpful to do a quick demo of the procedure to entire class just before students do the lab. It uses lecithin to produce little vacuoles. You may want to try this, and if it works, have your students try it. You will be working with dilute acid in dropping bottles, and accidental splattering can occur. Set up your microscope and clean a slide and coverslip.