Active Learning Activities

Put Your Theory on Trial

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

More Than One Way to Cook an Egg: Exploring Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Teams explore Gardner's Theory, present one component, summarize presentation content, and conduct a self-assessment.

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.

Data Mining and Sorting: Scaffolding the Exploration of Scientific Articles

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

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

Communicable Puzzles: Children’s Most Common Infectious Diseases

Using the Jigsaw strategy, students become an “expert” for one communicable disease through self-directed research.

Real-World Physics: Mini Video Projects

Can I Use the Internet?

Categorizing for Review

Gender Socialization throughout the Life Course

Students complete a grid that illustrates different life periods that reinforce gender narratives.

Solving World Issues One Smartphone at a Time

Let’s Role Play the French Revolution!

Cercles de Lecture (Reading Circles)

Rhetorical Strategies

Understanding Terminology Using Jigsaw

Jigsaw Geography Presentation

Teacher for a Day: Defining a Definition

Homeostasis: Mapping the Endocrine System

Kinematics Concept Mapping

Explosives Detective

Muscle Videos

Home Wiring

Muscle Snowballs

Photo Concept Maps: Parts 1, 2 & 3