Active Learning Activities

Silent Discussion

Conduct a discussion in your class without students ever speaking a word!

Crossing Dimensions: A Math Odyssey into Cross Products

In groups, students learn about orthogonality and cross products by creating geometrical shapes.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

A first class ice-breaker activity introducing the nature of science.

It’s All in the Delivery: 6 Rounds to Effective Presentation

Groups of students orally present a poem six times, focusing on six key aspect of effective oral presentations

Crash Course: Collision Theory

Students use PhET simulation to learn how factors affect reaction rate (collision theory) through hands-on activities

Rough Draft Workshop: Group Peer Assessment Jigsaw Activity for Case Study or Procedural Writing

Students bring a rough draft of a written group project for peer evaluation and feedback

To Pass or Not to Pass: Acting out membrane transport

Aim of the activity is to increase students’ understanding of molecules’ movement through the cell membrane.

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Don’t go NUTS: A Case Study on the Physiology of Stress

Gender Socialization throughout the Life Course

Students complete a grid that illustrates different life periods that reinforce gender narratives.

Harvard Implicit Bias Test

Fireweed and Seals, oh my! Mini Cases in Population Ecology

The Genetics of PTC Sensitivity and Tongue Rolling

Cloning of the Human Insulin Gene

Identity Dot Exercise

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Biological Molecules

Phylogeny

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Circus Launch Clicker Questions