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.

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.

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.

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Controversy in the Science Classroom: Nature of Science Quiz

Can I Use the Internet?

Interrupted Case Study in Material Engineering

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

Problem Set Using Lightboard Video Recordings

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Reflective Writing On Waves

What is Torque?

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Momentum Photoproject

Home Wiring

Problem Sorting

Newton’s Third Law