Active Learning Activities

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.

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

Communicable Puzzles: Children’s Most Common Infectious Diseases

Using the Jigsaw strategy, students become an “expert” for one communicable disease through self-directed research.

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.

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

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

Do You Know Your Stereochemistry?

Homeostasis: Mapping the Endocrine System

Biological Molecules

Phylogeny

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Reflective Writing On Waves

Explosives Detective

Home Wiring

Problem Sorting