Active Learning Activities

Finding Catharsis in Film and Media

Students analyze a film or piece of media watched in the course using two concepts: climax and catharsis.

Put Your Theory on Trial

Scaffolded debate that explores the nuances of a belief that the teacher has introduced.

Running on Water: Activating Prior Knowledge of Static Equilibrium

Students watch, discuss, then analyze the veracity of a video in which hydrophobic shoes allow people to run on water.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Low Stakes Debate

Categorizing for Review

Group Problem Solving with Show and Tell

Live Demonstrations of Beats and Interference of Sound

Model Building

Circuits: Card Sorting With Multiple Representations (E&M)

Electrostatics: Card Sorting With Mutiple Representations (E&M)

Let’s Role Play the French Revolution!

Reflective Reading on Islam

Students use homework questions to prompt a deeper engagement with the reading material to generate better class discussion.

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Bottle Rocket Tracker

Falling Object Tracker

Dart Gun Velocity

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Reflective Writing On Waves

Home Wiring

Interacting Objects