Active Learning Activities

Group Work Project Contracting

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

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.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Peerwise Assignment: Human Body

Categorizing for Review

Peer Review, Assessment & Feedback

Two Stage Quiz

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Gender and Job Inequality

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

Forget the Math! Draw Pictures to Learn the Wave Theory of Light

Who am I: (Mis)conceptions of Self

Holding Your Seat: A Mindfulness Exercise

Teacher for a Day: Defining a Definition

Engineering Physics IF-AT

Presentation skills: Conveying emotion

Dark Lords IF-AT