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.

Evolution of Sexual Reproduction: Construct a Species

Students construct a fictional animal species by selecting traits related to sexual reproduction.

Sensation and Perception Lab

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

The Heart of the Matter: Exploring Exercise in Cardiac Disease

Before class, students read an article and gather 5 elements. In class, they "pool" findings and sort into categories.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Data Mining and Sorting: Scaffolding the Exploration of Scientific Articles

The purpose of this activity is to deepen students' understanding of cardiac pathophysiology

Family Matters : Inclusive Genetics Pedigree

In teams, students will build a pedigree chart and determine inheritance patterns using inclusive pedigree practices.

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

An Abundance of Bells

Low Stakes Debate

Categorizing for Review

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Two Stage Quiz

Interrupted Case Study in Material Engineering

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Building Effective Teams

If You’re Not Part of the Solution You’re Part of the Precipitate

Photosynthesis: Light Dependent Reactions

From “yum” to “yuk”: a case in point… mutation

Action-Learning Sets