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.

Silent Discussion

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

Reimagining the Reading Quiz: Peer Instruction in English

Students do a reading quiz in class and revise their answers after developing and sharing a rationale for their choice.

Snowball Starter: Goals of Science Education

In this activity, the snowball strategy links students' prior beliefs to a deeper inquiry of science education goals.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Can I Use the Internet?

Categorizing for Review

Connotation Exercise: Interview and Presentation

Three-Tiered Writing

Homophones Talent Show

Cercles de Lecture (Reading Circles)

Bringing Context to Life: Annotating Research for Reading Novels

Rhetorical Strategies

Having Students Read and Apply Essay Feedback

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

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Momentum Photoproject

Home Wiring

Interacting Objects

Problem Sorting

Problem Sorting Review