Active Learning Activities

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.

Silent Discussion

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

Sensation and Perception Lab

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

Who Are You? A Multidimensional Examination of Self-Concept

Students investigate their self-concept, compare it to a classmate, assess differences between self- and social perception.

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

Two Stage Quiz

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Projet Specific: Webzine

In-Class Think Pieces: Course Pack

Three-Tiered Writing

Bringing Context to Life: Annotating Research for Reading Novels

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

Putting the “You” in education: Using self-reflections for learning

Action-Learning Sets

Having Students Read and Apply Essay Feedback

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

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise