Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

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

Electron Odyssey: Journey through the Mitochondria’s Electron Transport Chain

Students play the roles of protein complexes to see how electrons, protons, and energy moves through the ETC to produce ATP.

Put Your Theory on Trial

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

Silent Discussion

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

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

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Low Stakes Debate

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Projet Specific: Webzine

Building Effective Teams

Rock Paper Scissors Lizard

“Light, Camera, Action” Starring Reactions in Photosynthesis

Three-Tiered Writing

Dictation: Read and Run

Photosynthesis: Light Dependent Reactions

From “Yum” to “Yuk”: A Case in Point… Mutation

Projects on Junot Diaz: “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao”

Putting the “You” in Education: Using Self-reflections for Learning

Having Students Read and Apply Essay Feedback

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Organic Food vs GMOs