Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

For instructors planning student group work projects over many weeks or months.

Two-stage Testing for Second-year Math Students

Students are given four 2-stage tests throughout a semester; 1st stage written individually, 2nd students work in groups.

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.

Decoding Decimal, Binary & Octal: Number System Adventures

In teams, students explore the binary number system and create parameters for an octal number system.

Sensation and Perception Lab

The lab explores the senses of taste, smell, touch, proprioception and vision.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Preparation for Future Learning: Electric Flux

An Abundance of Bells

Peerwise Assignment: Human Body

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Two Stage Quiz

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Family HiStories of Migration

Students interview two members of their family to collect information about their family history and present it in class.

Reflective Reading on Islam

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

Identity Dot Exercise

Action-Learning Sets

Two Stage Calculus Quiz

Forget the Math! Draw pictures to learn the wave theory of light

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Teacher for a Day: Defining a Definition

Museum Tour