Active Learning Activities

Finding Catharsis in Film and Media

Students analyze a film or piece of media watched in the course using two concepts: climax and catharsis.

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.

Nature of Science Ice-Breaker

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

Card Sorting Activities for Mechanics

Preparation for Future Learning: Electric Flux

Exam Preparation using Case Studies

The aim of this activity is to apply course materials to real-world problems using Case Studies.

Low Stakes Debate

Circuits: Card Sorting With Multiple Representations (E&M)

Students develop their ability to reason about physics concepts in terms of multiple representations, beyond just equations.

Electrostatics: Card Sorting With Mutiple Representations (E&M)

Students associate configurations of charges with their characteristics from word, diagram & graph representations.

Managing Major Weather Hazards in Recreation

Students in this activity, create & perform a skit to demonstrate how a group should respond to various weather events.

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

Ctrl + Alt + Del: PTSD and Neuroplasticity

Race for the Hat!

Circus Launch Clicker Questions

Forces Scavenger Hunt

Lenz’s Law

Momentum Photoproject

Problem Sorting